worm
Home > Security Definitions - Worm
SearchSecurity.com Definitions (Powered by WhatIs.com)
EMAIL THIS
LOOK UP TECH TERMS Powered by: WhatIs.com
Search listings for thousands of IT terms:
Browse tech terms alphabetically:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #

worm



Digg This!    StumbleUpon Toolbar StumbleUpon    Bookmark with Delicious Del.icio.us   

DEFINITION - In a computer, a worm is a self-replicating virus that does not alter files but resides in active memory and duplicates itself. Worms use parts of an operating system that are automatic and usually invisible to the user. It is common for worms to be noticed only when theiruncontrolled replication consumes system resources, slowing orhalting other tasks.

This term is not to be confused with WORM (write once, read many).

LAST UPDATED: 30 Oct 2005

Read more about worm:
- SearchSecurity.com has gathered resources to help you avoid worms and other viruses.
- "Learn IT: Viruses and Other Malware - Detection, Prevention, and Cure" has more in-depth information.


Do you have something to add to this definition? Let us know.
Send your comments to techterms@whatis.com


Digg This!    StumbleUpon Toolbar StumbleUpon    Bookmark with Delicious Del.icio.us   


RELATED CONTENT
Product Review: Sophos Endpoint Security and Control 8.0
Sophos Endpoint Security and Control 8.0 is a comprehensive endpoint security product, offering antivirus, antispyware, host intrusion prevention,...
Researcher disinfects multimedia Trojans
Security researcher developed a tool to cure infected Windows Media audio and video files with GetCodec Trojans, a form of media based malware.
Researchers develop cloud-based antivirus
New cloud-based approach uses multiple antivirus engines, offers better malware detection and beats traditional antivirus software in tests.

RELATED GLOSSARY TERMS
Terms from Whatis.com − the technology online dictionary
bot worm  (SearchSecurity.com)
A bot worm is a self-replicating malware program that resides in current memory, turns infected computers into zombies (or bots) and transmits itself...
directory traversal  (SearchSecurity.com)
Directory traversal is a form of HTTP exploit in which a hacker uses the software on a Web server to access data in a directory other than the...




Get More worm Answers
Find Targeted worm Answers for Channel Professionals
TechTarget Security Media
Information Security View this month\\'s issue and subscribe today.
Information Security Decisions Apply online for free conference admission.
SearchSecurity.com
HomeNewsMagazineMultimediaWhite PapersLearningAdviceTopicsEventsAbout Us

About Us  |  Contact Us  |  For Advertisers  |  For Business Partners  |  Site Index  |  RSS
TechTarget provides enterprise IT professionals with the information they need to perform their jobs - from developing strategy, to making cost-effective IT purchase decisions and managing their organizations' IT projects - with its network of technology-specific Web sites, events and magazines.

TechTarget Corporate Web Site  |  Media Kits  |  Reprints  |  Site Map




All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2003 - 2008, TechTarget | Read our Privacy Policy
  TechTarget - The IT Media ROI Experts