- Computer viruses and worms may both be equally damaging to computer equipment. However, these two are not synonymous. This page explains the distinction between a virus and a worm and the definitions of viruses and worms.
A computer virus is harmful computer software that replicates itself and implants its code when run. A virus spreads from one piece of software or device to another. Viruses are often transmitted through downloaded files and shared data.
On the other hand, a computer worm is a standalone harmful application that may spread to other portions of any device. This means that worms do not associate with executable files or applications. On the other hand, Worms find a weak point in the system and enter via a network weakness! The only thing viruses and worms have in common is that they are both types of malware.
Before we go into the differences between viruses and worms in computers, let us first define malware. Malware is a code or program that is deliberately intended to damage electronic equipment.
Difference between Virus and Worm
Virus
A virus is a software program that may attach itself to a computer’s executable files. It may reproduce itself, edit the file to which it is connected, and search for other programs that have been added to that file. It then infects other applications simultaneously, leaving a duplicate behind. Finally, it reloads the original copy of the file, making it untraceable.
A virus often contains its instructional code to create a perfect replica. The virus can propagate over the whole network link. It causes harm to the degree that it is recoverable, provided proper backup and recovery measures are followed. It tends to damage the system in a variety of ways, including
Using disk space, deleting the hard disk drive completely, modifying personal data text files, and even bringing the machine to a standstill.
Worm
Worms are self-replicating files that live in the memory of a machine that has been infected. To escape discovery, it often disguises itself as system files. It is comparable to a Virus and a subclass of it by design. Worms differ from viruses in that they may be activated spontaneously without any human intervention.
Worm reproduction
spreads from one machine to another through email, networks, and other means. Worms may move from one device to another by using the user’s email address book. It may cause the system resources to slow down or stop the activity entirely.
Key Differences
Worms propagate over computer networks, while viruses spread through executable files on separate computers.
A Worm’s spread rate is quicker than that of a virus.
Viruses prefer to damage, delete, or change the files on target systems, while worms do not edit any files but instead seek to harm the resources.
Worms do not need human intervention to reproduce, while the virus must.
Worms are autonomous files that live inside the memory of an infected machine, while viruses are executable files that act by attaching themselves to other executable files.
The virus needs hosts to propagate, while worms do not.
Viruses destroy or modify data on the target machine, while worms disrupt networks by wasting bandwidth, deleting files, or sending emails.
The following are the primary distinctions between Virus and Worm:
Virus | Worm |
A computer virus copies and replicates itself to other programs/files on a system, potentially corrupting or harming the device | A computer worm is self-contained malicious software that, once inside a system, may begin inflicting harm/damage to the device |
Among the several forms of computer virus are : Virus with polymorphism
| The following are a few examples of computer worms:
|
When a file is opened, a virus may propagate, and the same harmful code is copied and distributed anytime additional files are accessed on the host computer | To penetrate the device, a worm needs a medium. This might be done through the internet, email, online messaging tools, and so forth |
Compared to a worm, a virus takes less time to propagate in the system | A worm may spread swiftly via a gadget |
A virus corrupts or deletes data automatically | On the other hand, a worm damages the device’s bandwidth and network connections |
Creeper, Blaster, Slammer, and other computer viruses are examples | Morris worms, storm worms, and other computer worms are examples |
Conclusion
Worms and Viruses Both are varieties of malware that are primarily intended to harm your system or compromise its security. However, the intensity of the harm may vary across viruses and worms. The virus modifies a file or program, while worms do not alter a file or program; instead, it multiplies itself again.
