Viruses and worms are harmful computer programs that infect computers, often causing them to malfunction. Although worms and viruses both infect computers and cause some sort of damage or data loss, there is a difference between the two. A virus is a program that attaches itself to any computer file, usually an exe file, or program and spreads across with the help of data transfer from computer to computer. (How Do Computer Viruses Spread?) A worm, on the other hand, does not need files to attach to and spread like viruses. They make use of the already present file transfer systems to spread from one place to another (Vangie, n.d).
With the advent of internet technology and a globally integrated network, viruses are spreading online more rapidly than any other means. One of the most common ways online viruses spread is through spam email. These are unwanted and often infected emails that clutter your inbox, offering fake product offers and attractions. Viruses not only spread through spam mail but also through regular emails from known sources. These viruses come with email attachments.
Another very common channel for viruses is through websites. Many websites leave cookies for later identification but many plant viruses as well. One of the most common forms of online virus spread is through downloading. Downloading files off the internet from unreliable and unverified sources can harbor virus infections. Many peer-to-peer networks such as LimeWire, Kazaa, and Bearshare have virus-infected files in search results that are disguised as actual search result files.
Another common way of virus spread is through removable media such as USB flash drives and on computer networks through file sharing and network drives as well. Many popular viruses and worms spreading online, these days, are through automatically generated disguised links on Windows Live Messenger and Facebook. These links appear to be sent by the users themselves and attract friends by offering them to explore provocative and interesting content. An example of such a link would be, “Hey! I found your picture online! (Tamiflu spams spread online).
To prevent the spread of viruses and worms, there are certain precautionary measures that can be taken. First, use a good virus scanner or anti-virus software to scan computers regularly. Also, make sure that the software and scanners are up to date so that the latest virus definitions are supported. Another measure that can be taken is to scan all files before transfer and scan all removable media before use and transfer. Firewalls can also be implemented over computer networks to restrict harmful activities. Another feature on computer networks can be to block harmful website content and not allow access to those websites.
Now, certain websites like Google offer page ranking facilities that warn users about harmful websites. Users can also apply security settings to their internet browsers to restrict the inflow of content from untrustworthy websites. Email services offer features such as junk mail filter and attachment virus scan to prevent spam mail and other viruses. With the correct measures and prevention, the spread of online viruses and worms can be controlled to a safe level (McCullough).
Works Cited
Beal, Vangie. “The Difference Between a Computer Virus, Worm and Trojan Horse” Webopedia. 2009. Web.
McCullough, Declan. “Anonymous remailers are a virus spreading online!” Government Security. 2009.
n.a. “How Do Computer Viruses Spread?” AllBusiness. 2009.
n.a. “Tamiflu spams spread online” Spam Daily News. 2009.