What is Worm? What is a Trojan? How do I Avoid Them?
A worms is a strain of virus that infects computers through their network connection. Trojans are like the mythical Trojan Horse. A Trojan Horse virus is a strain of virus built with the intent of taking over your computer. Unlike viruses which invade your computer via an infected file like Email, a program, a word document or file attachment, worms need only to have a network or internet connection to deliver their payload to your computer. It is also important to note that worms infect computers without user interaction. Most worms are designed to infect web servers, because they are typically always connected to a network. Because they are left unattended, and server typically lack adequate and up-to-date firewall protection. Because worms can infect workstations through their network and internet connections, every computer that connects to the internet or a network needs to have up-to-date firewall software. If your computer has a firewall and the system is maintained properly and kept up to date, you should be safe from the known worm vulnerabilities.
It is important to keep in mind that infections are created chronologically before they are identified by virus or firewall software, and sometimes there is no cure except to restore from backup or reformat your hard drive and reinstall all your software. You see it is possible for you system to be infected by a worm, a Trojan or some other virus, without your knowledge. The anti-virus software may not detect it when you run a system scan, because it is not yet aware of the virus. Some viruses also have the ability to morph (camouflage themselves), and others can corrupt program components compromising the function of the operating system, your firewall software and/or your virus scanner and your data. One more reason why you need to backup regularly and maintain historical copies of your system's operational state and your data.
If you notice these symptoms you may have contracted a virus even though your anti-virus software does not report it :
Slower response time than normal or unresponsive behavior.
Irregular behavior like the mouse pointer jumping around.
Computer crashes and restarts on it own.
Computer refuses to start up.
Inability to get and/or apply Window's or Anti-Virus Updates.
These could also be caused by problems with your hardware drivers or software configuration problems. If you observe this kind of behavior, it is best that you contact a support technician and have them check-out your computer.
Over all the best way to reduce your risk and keep your system from being compromised is by following these best practices and by not neglecting your computer:
Do not use the default settings for Windows as it came installed. Everyone needs a User ID and Password. You are easy prey, if the hackers do not see this barrier.
Set yourself up as a Limited User, and always login that way unless you need to update your computer or install new software. Limited Users cannot install programs. Viruses are programs. If you use your computer as an Administrator, you are offering up your credentials to every program you encounter for it to operate at will on your computer.
Practice Safe Surfing. Avoid web sites with questionable content. Do not open Email attachments unless you are expecting them and you know the sender.
Do not install software on your computer unless you trust the source emphatically.
Make sure you check for and apply the updates to the Operating System, Virus Checker and Firewall every week.
Scan your system for viruses every week.
Backup your operating system and data on a regular basis. I recommend backing up the Operating System at least once a month or more frequently, like every time you install new software.
Last Edited on Monday, October 02, 2006