Viruses, Worms, and Trojan Horses -- Oh my!

So, you've heard about viruses, worms, and trojan horses -- but they're all the same thing, right? Not Exactly. All three are malicious programs, but they differ in several ways.

A virus replicates itself and spreads into files and applications. When you run the application it infects other files. Some viruses only cause minor damage but some viruses could end up damaging your entire computer, files, hardware, and software. A virus cannot spread without human interaction. Viruses are most commonly sent through email or a download. When the virus spreads from computer to computer, it leaves a trail of infection. It is also possible that a virus is on your computer but hasn't infected it. Since most viruses are executable files, it is possible that the file hasn't been opened or run.

A worm is similar to a virus as it causes harm to your computer. A worm is distinguished by the way it spreads and its actions. A worm can spread without human interaction. Since they spread automatically, they can spread faster than viruses. They can replicate themselves and send a copy to everyone in your email address book, and then to everybody in their address book and so on. A worm won't harm your files but will slow down your computer by using up the memory and processor.

A trojan horse may be considered the trickiest of them all. It fools you into thinking it's a useful program that you want to download. But, when the program is running, the trojan horse creates a "back door" to your computer, allowing hackers to find personal and confidential information as well as destroy your files. A trojan horse can cause minor damage and/or serious damage. Trojan horses don't replicate themselves.

To protect yourself from these threats:
1. Make sure to update your operating system
2. Run anti-virus software and download updates on a regular basis
3. Install a firewall
4. Use caution while downloading attatchments and files off the internet