What are Internet Worms and why are they so dangerous?

We don't hear much about them anymore internet worms, but are still an important part of system malware.

But what are they worms (worms), how are they spread and how are they used by hackers?

The internet worms spread like parasites in the real world

The Worms, unlike viruses or trojans, take advantage of a computer's pre-existing security vulnerabilities at the operating system level. The Worms are also standalone software or files and are usually distributed on a computer network (for example, your home or work network), instead of through software downloads.

The operation of an Internet Worm is similar to that of a real parasite. An internet worm replicates itself on as many servers as possible without attempting to cause any serious damage.

A worm will not corrupt your files or your computer. A Worm will slow down a computer or network by absorbing hardware resources or Internet bandwidth.

However, some Worms have malicious payloads (code that makes your computer vulnerable to other malicious programs). Given that Worms can be quietly (and safely) replicated on networks, do an excellent job of large-scale virus attacks, or ransomware attacks in governments and businesses.

The modern ones Internet Worms usually carry payloads

By themselves, the Worms they are mostly harmless. Sure, they slow down computers and turn high-speed networks into slow ones, but compared to viruses that destroy files and ransomware causing damage of hundreds of thousands of dollars , τα Worms it is absolutely nothing. This happens unless Worm has a payload.

Rarely do hackers create worms without payload. Remember, the worms target system vulnerabilities. In the age of frequent software updates, these vulnerabilities change every week. Now, when a hacker spreads a worm, tech companies know there is an operating system vulnerability. Once technology companies detect the worm through internal testing or reports from antivirus companies, they respond immediately by repairing the vulnerability that strikes the worm.

So instead of wasting a very good system vulnerability on a worm, modern hackers are focusing their efforts on large-scale payloads attacks. The Mydoom's Worm 2004, for example, contained a payload RAT, which allowed hackers to access infected computers remotely. Given that worms hackers gained access to many different computers and used that access to carry out DDOS attacks on its website. SCO Group .

In the past, when system vulnerabilities were high and updates were rare, worms without any payload. These worms they were easy to set up even by novice hackers and usually just slow down computers to disappoint the average user.

And while some of these worms, As the Worm Morris , created to sensitize people to software vulnerabilities, had the unintended effect of slowing down computers.

The Worms they are easy to avoid

Theoretically, the worms should be more difficult to avoid than most other malicious programs.

The worms can move through a network without your knowledge, while viruses and trojans must be downloaded manually on a computer. Because of the frequent system updates and built-in antivirus software, you do not have to worry too much about worms.

Just update your operating system and antivirus program (enable automatic updates) and you will be fine. If you are still using Windows XP, Windows 7 who no longer receive new updates you may have a problem!

You can get a worm by downloading some software or even opening an infected email attachment. If you want to protect yourself from malware (including worms), do not download files and do not open email attachments from sources you do not trust.

Use Anti-Virus to protect and secure your computer

Windows computers have trusted Windows Defender antivirus software. It may automatically scan your computer for viruses, but it's worth running here and there manually to be sure.

Sure, hackers can create malware that bypasses antivirus software, but they rarely waste this malware on small companies and individuals. The worms with dangerous payloads are usually intended for large companies, governments and wealthy entrepreneurs. If an antivirus program does not detect it worms, then you are probably not in danger.