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Worm (computer worm)

Definition

A computer worm is malware that automatically spreads across networks without user interaction. Unlike a virus, a worm does not need a host file.

Worms spread through network vulnerabilities, email attachments, or shared network drives. Because they require no user interaction, they can spread extremely rapidly.

Famous worms: WannaCry (2017) spread via EternalBlue affecting 200,000 systems in 150 countries.

Related terms

Malware Ransomware Patch Management