Computer Worms and Viruses
What are computer worms and viruses? Explain how these operate. Give examples.
Worms and viruses are malicious programs that have mechanisms for spreading themselves throughout many computers.
Viruses attach themselves to other executable files as their means of spreading to other systems. When the host executable program is run, the executable code of the virus is also run. Viruses have an infection phase where the virus is reproduced to other systems, and an attack phase where the virus unleashes its damaging mechanisms. Examples of viruses are Melissa and the “I Love You” virus / Love Bug.
Worms’ mechanism for spreading themselves does not rely on mechanisms used by viruses. Examples of worms include the Morris worm, and the Bagle worm.
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