FAQ About Understanding the Basics of Cybersecurity

A worm is a type of malicious software (malware) that can replicate itself and spread across a network or the internet without user intervention. Unlike viruses, worms do not need to attach themselves to an existing program or file to infect a system.

Once a worm infects a system, it can spread to other systems on the same network or across the internet, causing significant damage to the affected systems and potentially disrupting the operations of entire networks. Worms can be used to create botnets, which are networks of infected computers that can be controlled by a single attacker for malicious purposes, such as launching distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks or sending spam emails.

Protecting against worms requires a combination of prevention, detection, and response. Prevention measures include keeping software and operating systems up to date with security patches, using firewalls to restrict network traffic, and avoiding suspicious email attachments or downloads. Detection measures include monitoring network traffic for signs of worm activity, while response measures include isolating infected systems and restoring backups in the event of an attack.