Computer Worms: What Are They and How Can We Protect Ourselves?

Computer worms are a type of malware that can copy themselves and spread automatically from one computer to another. Like a real worm, they can move from one device to another and reproduce.

What can they cause?

A computer worm can:

• Slow down devices by consuming system resources.
• Spread through a network and infect other devices.
• Steal, modify or damage information.
• Cause interruptions to services and networks.

How does a computer worm work?

Its operation can be summarized in five steps:

1. It enters: it takes advantage of a vulnerability in the system or network to infect a device.
2. It copies itself: it creates copies of itself on the infected device.
3. It spreads: it searches for other connected devices and sends itself automatically.
4. It infects: it can install itself on new devices without the user having to run it.
5. It causes an impact: it consumes system resources and can cause problems on devices and networks.

How can we protect ourselves?

To reduce the risk from computer worms:

• Keep your operating system and software up to date.
• Use an updated antivirus.
• Activate your firewall.
• Do not open suspicious emails, links or files.
• Avoid connecting to unknown or insecure Wi-Fi networks.
• Make backup copies of important files.

A real example: the Morris Worm

The Morris Worm was a malicious program created by Robert Tappan Morris that spread automatically among computers connected to the Internet.

It was launched on November 2, 1988, and affected approximately 4,000 computers, causing system slowdowns and crashes. The incident demonstrated the potential impact of this type of threat and contributed to the development of measures for responding to computer security incidents.

Did you know?

Computer worms can spread across a network without the user having to do anything, taking advantage of security vulnerabilities to move from one device to another.

They can also spread through email or shared files and may use social engineering techniques to persuade people to open attractive-looking files or messages.