Worms, Viruses & Trojan Horses
Worms, viruses and Trojan horses all have one thing in common: they're designed to slow or damage a computer operating system. And while they may have the same purpose, each one goes about accomplishing this task in different ways. Fortunately, there are ways to safeguard a system and prevent these programs from entering and damaging computer systems.
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Function
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Worms, viruses and Trojan horses are commonly referred to as malware programs because of the adverse effects they have on computer systems, according to Microsoft. These programs can target different areas of an operating system, some of which include start-up and shutdown processes, email accounts or an overall slowed performance. Some programs can actually cause system crashes or automatic restarts without any activity on the user's part. The difference between worms, viruses and Trojan horses has to do with how the program enters a computer system and how it affects system files.
Viruses
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Virus programs are pieces of computer code that replicate themselves as they travel from file to file, according to Microsoft. A virus attaches itself to a host program, which is another program or file in the computer system. It spreads whenever a file or program on one system is shared with or sent to another computer system. In effect, this type of malware cannot spread unless a user sends or shares a file. Viruses can vary as far as how much damage they can do, which can range from annoying system delays to outright system crashes.
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Worms
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In terms of program complexity, worm malware is a type of virus, but much more sophisticated in design, according to Microsoft. Like viruses, worms can replicate themselves; however, once inside an operating system worms begin to take control of system functions, like file transport and information handling. Worms can spread with or without being sent or shared by the computer user. In addition, this type of malware can infect entire computer networks resulting in slowed network and Internet performance.
Trojan Horses
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Trojan horse malware programs get their name from the Greek historical account of Trojan gift horses used as ploys in the overthrow of the city of Troy. These programs are presented as useful utilities and, in many cases as freeware, according to Microsoft. Less than reputable websites may offer them in an attempt to gain access to a user's computer system. Trojan horses function much like viruses in that they attach to program files; and like worms, they can invade a computer's security system and cause significant system damage.
Prevention/Solution
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Worms, viruses and Trojan horses all carry a viral component in terms of spreading from system to system. As a result, email applications are a primary target for spreading malware programs throughout a network of users, according to Microsoft. In particular, email attachments act as the carriers of a virus, worm or Trojan horse. Any type of file that can be attached to an email is capable of carrying a malware program. Malware can also exist inside a newly purchased disk drive or CD disk. In practice, emails containing attachments sent by unknown senders should be deleted immediately. An up-to-date anti-virus program can also detect and eliminate malware programs from an infected system.
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Good stuff
