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While viruses and worms are often used synonymously, they differ in scope. Both are nefarious programs designed to corrupt computers to wreak havoc and steal data. The key difference between viruses and worms is that a virus requires user interaction to spread, while a worm can automatically propagate itself.

What is a computer worm?

A computer worm is a type of malware that can spread itself and cause damage. Unlike a virus, a worm does not need to attach itself to another program to propagate. A worm can automatically copy itself and infect other computers on the same network without user interaction. Typically, it spreads from computer to computer rather than through files.

They are a type of malware that silently takes control of an operating system by running in the background. It's tough to detect a worm; the telltale signs include the slowing down systems and the device's resources running low.

Worm infections are nasty because they can spread with no user involvement. A computer worm can propagate over a network once it becomes active on an infected system. Computer worms transmit through malicious storage devices, such as CDs and USB drives.

Some worms are distinguished as @m or @mm, indicating that their principal means of spread is electronic "mail" or "mass mail." W32/Klez.e@MM is a prime example of a mass-mailing worm.

What is a computer virus?

A computer virus is a harmful program created to replicate and propagate from one device to another. To copy without the system owner's knowledge, it clandestinely attaches itself to the system, overwrites files, or replaces another software.

On an infected device, a virus triggers several issues. It corrupts hard drives, erases files, and steals confidential information, among other things. A virus can access your computer through an email attachment, a downloaded file, or a CD or zip drive that contains a concealed virus. The presence of a virus on a website, in an email, or elsewhere is frequently invisible.

Virus vs worm: which is more dangerous?

Worms are typically regarded as more harmful. Worms are more cunning since they can remain hidden and evade detection. Modern worms are significantly more common than new virus (or file-infector) types.

Worms and viruses both have a significant potential to compromise security and privacy. Files, programs, or devices might suffer damage from tiny malware infections. However, more harmful infections can potentially steal your sensitive personal information, resulting in financial and identity theft.

• See more about the types of malware

Protecting against both worms and viruses

Worms and viruses have the potential to cause severe damage. Installing a firewall system and antivirus software alone is insufficient. Organizations must take appropriate precautions to safeguard one's environment against viruses and worms. The following are some recommended best practices:

Be cautious

Exercise caution while opening emails from sources or persons you don't know. Unless you are confident of their authenticity, avoid clicking on any links or attachments included in the email. Many promotional offers and banners appear to be too good to be true. In most cases, they are bogus. 

Analyze

You can identify any potentially suspicious conduct by analyzing and watching the behaviour of system activities and system files. Abnormal behaviours like slowing systems and a spike in ads on the screen, among others, are telltale signs of infection. A complete system scan with an antivirus program can be helpful in such situations.

Use an ad blocker

The malware opens the floodgates for a spike in ads. If perchance you click on them, you run the risk of losing your account privileges. A reliable ad-blocking software or browser extension can help keep malware-driven ads at bay.

Wrapping Up

Adopting a robust anti-malware solution and, in the case of a network, having an effective firewall is essential to block computer worms, viruses, and other malware. Both home users and businesses should take the necessary steps to protect their devices and data from potential attacks.