What’s the Difference between a Virus and a Worm?

With the rise in cyberattacks and cybercriminal behavior across the US since the pandemic it’s now
more important than ever to maintain a high level of digital security on both your personal and
professional devices. However, understanding what kind of security you need depends on the kinds of
threats that you (or your family) are likely to encounter.

Unfortunately, it is often difficult for users to learn about the important aspects of cybersecurity
because of all of the jargon; from spyware, malware, and adware to viruses, man-in-the-middle
attacks, and cross-site scripting, all of these terms have specific meanings that can be quite
overwhelming at first. That’s why we decided to create this guide, explaining simply and clearly the
three main cyber threat terms that you’re likely to come across: “Viruses”, “Worms”, and “Malware”.

This can be a little confusing at first, as both a virus and a worm (sometimes referred to as a malware
worm) are malicious pieces of code that “replicate” in a victim’s computer system (much like a virus in
a human body’s system). The primary difference between a virus and a worm is that viruses must be
triggered by their host/victim’s interaction with the infected file. In contrast, worms are stand-alone
malicious programs that can self-replicate and propagate independently as soon as they have
breached the system. In short, worms do not require activation (or any human intervention) to
execute or spread their code around your system.

When entering your computer, viruses are often attached or concealed in shared or downloaded files,
both executable files, a program that runs a script, and non-executable files, such as a Word document
or an image file. When the host file is accepted by the victim’s system, the virus remains dormant until
the infected host file is activated. Only after the host file is activated can the virus run, executing its
malicious code and replicating it to infect other files on your system. In general, viruses are often
designed to destroy personal files or seize control of someone’s digital devices.
In contrast, worms don’t require the activation of their host file. Once a worm has entered your
system, usually via a network connection or as a downloaded file (of any kind), it can then run, self-
replicate, and propagate without a triggering event (like opening the infected file). A worm makes
multiple copies of itself which then spread across the network or through an internet connection.
These copies will infect any inadequately protected computers and servers that connect (via the
network or internet) to the originally infected device. Because each subsequent copy of a worm
repeats this process of self-replication, execution, and propagation, worm-based infections spread
rapidly across computer networks and the internet at large when deployed.

What is the Difference between Malware and a Virus?

The difference between malware and a virus is that malware is the official term used to describe any
piece of malicious code (like a worm or a virus) that is designed to infect and cause harm to another
person’s computer system, regardless of how it attacks the victim’s files or how it infiltrates the
system. This can be a little confusing at first, as most people (not in the cybersecurity industry) use the
term “virus” when something has infected their computer when actually they mean that some
malware has found its way into their system and infected it.

As mentioned above, a virus is a type of malware that can infect a victim’s system and is triggered by
the victim themselves when they try to access the infected file sent by the hacker.

How Do Computer Viruses and Computer Worms Spread?

Viruses and worms are a subcategory of malicious programs or malware. Any program in this
subcategory can also have additional Trojan functionalities.
Viruses: Viruses can be classified according to the method that they use to infect a computer and
spread from one user to another (in fact, they spread in similar ways to worms):

 File viruses: They are attached to files in emails, direct messages, or downloads, and can be
shared to the victim’s computer much like a normal file shared amongst internet users online.

 Boot sector viruses: These viruses are often spread using physical pieces of hardware. For
example, an infected USB drive connected to a computer will transfer the virus when the
drive’s Volume Boot Record (VBR) is read, then modify or replace the existing boot code with
the infected code.

 Macro viruses: As they are written in the same macro language used to create software
programs (like Excel or Word), they usually attack software (as opposed to the whole system)
as an attachment to a file via emails (generally, they are found hiding in phishing scam emails).

 Script viruses: These tend to be less common as they are generally spread through clicking
webpage ads. After you’ve clicked, the virus tries to breach your browser’s security
vulnerabilities. The effects of this virus range from stealing cookies to shutting down your
system at will.

Worms: Worms often exploit network configuration errors or security loopholes in the operating
system (OS) or applications. Many worms use multiple methods to spread across networks, including
the following:

 Email: Carried inside files sent as email attachments, these worms are the most common.

 Internet: Via links to infected websites; generally hidden in the website’s HTML, so the
infection is triggered when the page loads on your browser.

 External Drives: It’s possible to hide a computer worm in a USB stick or an external drive so
that it infects the victim’s system when the hardware is connected.

 Downloads & FTP Servers: These worms may initially start in downloaded files or individual
FTP files, but if not detected, can spread to the server and, thus, through all outbound FTP
transmissions.

 Instant Messages (IM): Transmitted through mobile and desktop messaging apps, generally as
external links, including on native SMS apps, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or any other
type of ICQ or IRC message system.

 P2P/File sharing: Spread via P2P file-sharing networks, as well as any other shared drive or
files, such as a USB stick or network server.

 Networks: Often hidden in network packets; though they can be spread and self-propagate
through shared access to any device, drive or file across the associated network.

 Software Holes: As noted above, worms have been known to enter systems via old software
without modern security patches.

How to Protect All Your Devices from Viruses, Worms, and Malware
Viruses, worms, and most forms of malware often exploit security vulnerabilities and bugs, causing a
number of complications for the user, including slower functionality, a constantly running hard drive,
corrupted files, and unwanted ad pop-ups (even when offline). For this reason, it is crucial to keep up
to date with all OS and application updates and patches. Unfortunately, keeping current with updates
and being vigilant simply isn’t enough. There are many exploits and vectors that can get viruses and
worms into a network or onto a computer or mobile device.

These days, comprehensive cyber security is mandatory for all your devices—desktops, laptops,
tablets, and smartphones. To be effective, cyber security solutions must provide real-time protection
for all your activities, from emails to internet browsing, not just periodic hard drive scans.
Furthermore, today’s best security software products are not static one-time installations with
periodic updates. A quality cyber security product is provided as a service, known as SaaS (Software-
as-a-Service). This means that, in addition to monitoring your devices in real-time, the software itself
is updated in real-time with the most current information about existing and emerging threats, how to
prevent them, and how to repair their damage.

Malware vs Virus vs Worm

In summary, the term malware is a catch-all term used to refer to any malicious piece of code or
program, like a virus or a worm. As a result, viruses and worms can be categorized as types of
malware. Viruses and worms are both self-replicating pieces of malware/code that intend to alter or
damage the system files of their victims. However, once a worm has entered the victim’s system, it can
propagate freely on its own. In order to propagate, a virus needs to be activated by the victim’s
interaction with its vector, i.e. the user running a downloadable file infected with a virus.

Malware, viruses, and worms are all cyber security threats. While they are each different things, the
threats they pose intersect in important ways.

Malware

Malware is a general term that encompasses all software designed to do harm. You can compare the
term “malware” to the term “vehicle.” All software-based threats are malware, just like all cars and
trucks are vehicles.

However, similar to vehicles, there are many different kinds of malware. In other words, you can have a
car, an SUV, and a truck, and you would have three vehicles. But not every vehicle is a car, a truck, or an
SUV. Similarly, viruses and worms are both malware, but not all malware is a virus or a worm.

Virus

Viruses can be spread from one computer to another inside files. For the virus to be activated, someone
has to trigger it with an external action. For example, a virus can be embedded inside a spreadsheet. If
you download the spreadsheet, your computer will not necessarily be infected. The virus gets activated
once you open the spreadsheet.

Worm

With a worm, there is no need for the victim to open up any files or even click on anything. The worm
can both run and spread itself to other computers. Because a worm has the ability to automatically
propagate itself, you can get a worm in your computer just because it is on the same network as another
infected device.

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Analysis: Malware, Virus, And Worm

All worms and viruses or malware, but there are significant differences between worms and viruses.
Malware, being a general term, can also include many other threats. However, a worm behaves in a very
specific way, making it significantly different than a virus.

A worm can replicate and spread itself from one computer to another. On the other hand, a virus cannot
self-replicate, and it needs to be sent by a user or software to travel between two different computers.

Malware, virus or worm: what is more dangerous?

While it is difficult to say which is the most dangerous, the following is generally true.

Malware vs worm vs virus

Malware refers to any kind of software that is regarded as malignant or malicious, no matter how it
works, what it intends to do, or how it is issued. A virus is very specific in the sense that it self-replicates
by adding its code to other applications.

In a comparison of malware vs. worm, malware is more dangerous because it encompasses both worms
and all other software-based threats, such as spyware, ransomware, and Trojans. The same can be said
of the malware vs. virus conversation. Trying to ascertain which is more dangerous—malware, viruses, or
worms—is like trying to figure out which is better at transporting people: vehicles, cars, or trucks.

Virus vs worm

On the other hand, the "virus vs. worm" discussion is a little more nuanced. Both viruses and worms can
do significant damage to your computer, but the ways in which they spread and are activated can make
one a more significant danger than the other. In many cases, it depends on how your network is
structured.

Why a worm is dangerous

If your network consists of many computers connected to each other in a ring formation, then a worm
may be a bigger threat than a virus. The same could be said of a network set up in a hub formation with
a server in the middle that serves all the computers in the network, particularly if the server does not
have adequate antimalware defenses.

In these kinds of architectures, a worm, once introduced to one computer, can replicate itself and spread
to the other computers in the network. This can give one worm the power to infect the entire network. If
a virus is introduced to an unprotected hub-and-spoke network or a ring network, users will still have to
send the virus to each other and then open the file for each computer in the network to get infected.

Why a virus is just as dangerous

On the surface, a worm, which is also referred to as a worm virus, will appear more dangerous than a
virus, but because computers within an organization's network interact with the internet often more
than they do with each other, viruses can be just as dangerous. For example, a single website that
several users visit can download a virus to their computers, and when they open the file containing the
virus, all of them can get infected.

In many situations, a worm's functionality can also work against itself. Because the worm is designed to
spread from one computer to another, it risks the chance of exposing itself with each lateral move. If, for
example, a worm has to go through a firewall as it tries to go from one computer to the next, the firewall
may detect it. At that point, system administrators can use relatively basic forensic analysis to figure out
where the worm came from.

This is not the case with viruses. Several users can download the same or different viruses, and figuring
out where they came from, especially if they did not come from the same emails or websites, can
present a significant challenge.

Therefore, the difference between malware and a virus is not as much of a factor as is the difference
between a virus and a worm. The same can be said of the difference between malware and worm
because malware encompasses worms.

How To Protect Devices From Malware, Viruses, And Worms

There are several ways to protect your computer from threats like viruses, worms, and other malware:

1. Use an effective antimalware program.

2. Learn how to recognize malicious programs. Keep an eye out for applications that look or behave
suspiciously, as well as your computer running slowly or overheating.

3. Avoid downloads from suspicious websites.

4. Use a firewall.

Difference between Worms and Virus

Last Updated : 21 Aug, 2024


In a computer, you are going to find two kinds of malicious elements that can tamper with your
computer data, disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems.

These two factors are known as the Worms and Viruses. These elements can harm your computer
significantly. However, there are many differences present in their operation purposes.

What are Worms?

Worms are similar to a virus but it does not modify the program. It replicates itself more and more to
slow down the computer system. Worms can be controlled by remote. The main objective of worms is to
eat the system’s resources. The WannaCry ransomware worm in 2000 exploits the Windows Server
Message Block (SMBv1) which is a resource-sharing protocol.

What are Viruses?

A Virus is a malicious executable code attached to another executable file that can be harmless or can
modify or delete data. When the computer program runs attached with a virus it performs some action
such as deleting a file from the computer system. Viruses can’t be controlled by remote. The ILOVEYOU
virus spreads through email attachments.

Difference Between Worms and Viruses

Basis of
Comparison Worms Viruses

A Virus is a malicious executable code

A Worm is a form of malware that
attached to another executable file
replicates itself and can spread to different
that can be harmless or can modify or
computers via a Network.
Definition delete data.

The main objective of worms is to eat the

system’s resources. It consumes system
The main objective of viruses is to
resources such as memory and bandwidth
modify the information.
and makes the system slow in speed to
Objective such an extent that it stops responding.

It doesn’t need a host to replicate from It requires a host is needed for

Host one computer to another. spreading.

Harmful It is less harmful as compared. It is more harmful.

Basis of
Comparison Worms Viruses

Detection
Worms can be detected and removed by Antivirus software is used for
and
the Antivirus and firewall. protection against viruses.
Protection

Controlled by Worms can be controlled by remote. Viruses can’t be controlled by remote.

Worms are executed via weaknesses in the Viruses are executed via executable
Execution system. files.

Worms generally come from the

Viruses generally come from shared or
downloaded files or through a network
downloaded files.
Comes from connection.

1. Hampering computer performance by 1. Pop-up windows linking to malicious

slowing down it websites

2. Automatic opening and running of 2. Hampering computer performance

programs by slowing down it

3. Sending of emails without your 3. After booting, starting of unknown

Symptoms knowledge programs.

Boot sector viruses, Direct

Internet worms, Instant messaging worms,
Actionvirusess, Polymorphicvirusess,
Email worms, File sharing worms, and
Macro viruses, Overwritevirusess, and
Internet relay chat (IRC) worms are
File Infector viruses are different types
different types of worms.
Types of viruses

Examples of worms include Morris worm, Examples of viruses include Creeper,

Examples storm worm, etc. Blaster, Slammer, etc.

Interface It does not need human action to replicate. It needs human action to replicate.
Basis of
Comparison Worms Viruses

Its spreading speed is slower as

Its spreading speed is faster.
Speed compared to worms.

Conclusion

Worms and Viruses are both a threat to the computer system. In between them, some can harm your
computer with high capacity and in some cases, it can tamper the computer with low capacity. Knowing
the difference between them will help to figure out which malicious element has harmed your device.

Difference Between Worms and Virus – FAQs

In between Worms and Virus, which needs a host to attack a system?

Worms and Viruses have a difference in the field of Host Needs. The Worms don’t need any association
with any host to infect any system. However, the Virus needs to take the help of any host to complete the
process.

Which is more dangerous Worms or Viruses?

In between the Worms and the Virus, it can be said that the Worms are less dangerous than the virus.
Because worms can only be executed through the weakness in the system.

In between Worms and Viruses, which spreads faster?

In between the Worms and the Virus, the worms can be spread faster than the virus. As the Worms don’t
need any help from the host, they can easily be spread compared with the Virus.

What is Malicious code?

Malicious code definition

Malicious code is harmful computer programming scripts designed to create or exploit system
vulnerabilities. This code is designed by a threat actor to cause unwanted changes, damage, or ongoing
access to computer systems. Malicious code may result in back doors, security breaches, information
and data theft, and other potential damages to files and computing systems.

What is malicious code?

Malicious code is the language hostile parties “speak” to manipulate computer systems into dangerous
behaviors. It is created by writing changes or add-ons to the existing programming of computer
programs, files, and infrastructure.

This threat is the foundational tool used to carry out the vast majority of cybersecurity attacks. Hackers
probe and find weaknesses that are based on the languages used to program computers. They then
create “phrases” known as scripts or lists of commands to abuse these vulnerabilities in these languages.
These scripts can be re-used and automated via macroinstructions, or macros for short.

Hackers and other threat actors would move very slowly if they were restricted to manual methods of
exploiting computer systems. Unfortunately, malicious code allows them to automate their attacks.
Some codes can even replicate, spread, and cause damage on their own. Other types of code may need
human users to download or interact with it.

The consequences of malicious code may often lead to any of the following:

 Corruption of data

 Distributed denial-of-Service (DDoS)

  Credential theft and private info theft

 Ransom and extortion

 Nuisance and inconvenience

To help you protect yourself, let’s explore how these threats work.

How does a malicious code work?

Any programmed component of a computer system can be manipulated by malicious code. Large-scale
components such as computer networking infrastructure and smaller components like mobile or desktop
apps are all common targets. Web services, such as websites and online servers, can also be targets.
Malicious code can infect any device using a computer to operate, such as:

 Traditional computer devices — desktops, laptops, mobile phones, tablets.

 IoT devices — smart home devices, in-vehicle infotainment systems (IVI).

 Computer network devices — modems, routers, servers.

Attackers use malicious scripts and programs to breach trusted parts of computer systems. From this
point, they aim to do one or more of the following:

1. Expose users to malicious code, to infect them and spread it further.

2. Access private information on the breached systems.

3. Monitor the use of a breached system.

4. Breach deeper into a system.

Malicious code is created and used in a few distinct phases. The malicious scripted code may need
human interaction or other computer actions to trigger the next event at each stage. Notably, some code
can even operate entirely autonomously. Most malicious code follows this structure:

1. Probe and investigate for vulnerabilities.

2. Program by writing code to exploit vulnerabilities.

3. Expose computer systems to malicious code.

4. Execute the code through a related program or on its own.

Probing and programming are the setup phase of an attack. Before an attacker can breach a system,
they must first have the tools to break in. They'll need to make the code if it doesn't already exist but
may also use or modify existing malicious code to prepare their attack.

The result of malicious scripting is either an auto-executable application that can activate itself and take
various forms. Some may include macros and scripts in JavaScript, ActiveX controls, Powershell misuse,
pushed content, plug-ins, scripting languages, or other programming languages that are designed to
enhance Web pages and email.
Exposing computer systems may occur through direct interface ports like USB or online network
connections like mobile and Wi-Fi. Successful exposure only requires a way for the malicious code to
travel to your machine.

Exposure in widespread attacks relies on high-contact channels such as popular websites and email
spam, while more targeted efforts use social engineering methods like spear phishing. Some insider
efforts can even plant malicious code into a private network like a corporate intranet by direct USB drive
connection on a local end-user computer.

Execution occurs when an exposed system is compatible with the malicious code. Once a targeted device
or system is exposed to malicious code, the resulting attack may include unauthorized attempts of any of
the following:

 Modify data — unpermitted encryption, weaken security, etc.

 Delete or corrupt data — website servers, etc.

 Obtain data — account credentials, personal information, etc.

 Access to restricted systems — private networks, email accounts, etc.

 Executing actions — replicating itself, spreading malicious code, remote device control, etc.

How does malicious code spread?

Malicious code may be used to breach systems on its own, enable secondary malicious activity, or to
replicate and spread itself. In any case, the original code must move from one device to another.

These threats can spread over nearly any communications channel that transmits data. Often, the
vectors of spread include:

 Online networks — intranets, P2P file-sharing, public internet websites, etc.

 Social communications — email, SMS, push content, mobile messaging apps, etc.

 Wireless connectivity — Bluetooth, etc.

 Direct device interfaces — USB, etc.

Visiting infected websites or clicking on a bad email link or attachment are standard gateways for
malicious code to sneak its way into your system. However, this threat can enter from legitimate sources
as well as explicitly malicious ones. Anything from public USB charging stations to exploited software
update tools has been misused for these purposes.

The “packaging” of malicious code isn’t always obvious, but public data connections and any messaging
service are the most important paths to watch. Downloads and URL links are often used by attackers to
embed dangerous code.
Types of malicious code

Many malicious code types can harm your computer by finding entry points that lead to your precious
data. Among the ever-growing list, here are some common culprits.

Viruses

Viruses are self-replicating malicious code that attaches to macro-enabled programs to execute. These
files travel via documents and other file downloads, allowing the virus to infiltrate your device. Once the
virus executes, it can self-propagate and spread through the system and connected networks.

Worms

Worms are also self-replicating and self-spreading code like viruses but do not require any further action
to do so. Once a computer worm has arrived on your device, these malicious threats can execute entirely
on their own — without any assistance from a user-run program.

Trojans

Trojans are decoy files that carry malicious code payloads, requiring a user to use the file or program to
execute. These threats cannot self-replicate or spread autonomously. However, their malicious payload
could contain viruses, worms, or any other code.

Cross-site scripting (XSS)

Cross-site scripting interferes with the user’s web browsing by injecting malicious commands into the
web applications they may use. This often changes web content, intercepts confidential information, or
serves an infection to the user’s device itself.

Backdoor attacks

Application backdoor access can be coded to give a cybercriminal remote access to the compromised
system. Aside from exposing sensitive data, such as private company information, a backdoor can allow
an attacker to become an advanced persistent threat (APT).
Cybercriminals can then move laterally through their newly obtained access level, wipe out a computer's
data, or even install spyware. These threats can reach a high level: The U.S. Government Accountability
Office has even warned about the threat of malicious code against national security.

Examples of malicious code attacks

Malicious code can come in many forms and has been very active in the past. Among the instances of
these attacks, here are a few of the most well-known:

Emotet trojan

First appearing in 2014, the Emotet trojan evolved from its malware roots to become email spam laden
with malicious code. The attackers use phishing tactics like urgent email subject lines (ex: "Payment
Needed") to fool users into downloads.

Once on a device, Emotet has been known to run scripts that deliver viruses, install command and
control (C&C) malware for botnet recruitment, and more. This threat took a short break in 2018 before
returning to become an SMS malware threat in the process.

Stuxnet worm

Since 2010, the Stuxnet computer worm and its successors have been targeting national infrastructure.
Its first documented attack involved Iranian nuclear facilities via USB flash drive, destroying critical
equipment. Stuxnet has since ceased, but its source code has been used to create similar highly targeted
attacks through 2018.

How to protect against malicious code attacks

For most malicious threats, antivirus software with automatic updates, malware removal capabilities,
web-browsing security is the best defense. However, preventing malicious code may not be possible with
antivirus software on its own.

Antivirus typically prevents and removes viruses and other forms of malware — or malicious software —
is a subcategory of malicious code. The broader category of malicious code includes website scripts that
can exploit vulnerabilities to upload malware. By definition, not all antivirus protection can treat certain
infections or actions caused by malicious code.

While antivirus is still essential for proactive infection removal and defense, here are some valuable ways
to protect yourself:

 Install anti-scripting software to prevent JavaScript and related code from running
unauthorized.

 Exercise caution against links and attachments. Any message containing URL links or
attachments — whether by email or text message — can be a vector for malicious code.

 Activate your browser’s popup blocker to prevent scripts from serving malicious content in
unwanted browser windows.

 Avoid using admin-level accounts for daily use. High-level permissions are usually required to
run scripts and programs automatically.
  Utilize data backups to protect irreplaceable files and documents.

 Be wary of using any public data connection. USB connections are generally overlooked but can
easily harbor malicious code. Public Wi-Fi is also a common threat that attackers can use to
deliver malicious code.

 Use a properly configured firewall to block unauthorized connections. If malicious code

infiltrates your machine and connects outward to request malware payloads, a firewall can help
stop this. Be sure that your firewall is configured to block by default and whitelist any expected
and trusted connections.

Malicious Code: What It Is and How to Prevent It

Bart Lenaerts-Bergmans - October 27, 2022

From trying to gain access to personal information to stealing vital business data, threat actors use
malicious code and malware to breach and damage systems across the world. Malicious code refers to
any code intended to cause undesired effects within a system.

A malicious actor might use code such as spyware or a trojan horse with the intent to cause harm.
Identifying and removing this malicious code from your system is vital for security and stability, and
strategies exist to help avoid malicious code in the first place. So what does malicious code mean, and
how do you defend against it?

Definition of Malicious Code

Malicious code is a term for code — whether it be part of a script or embedded in a software system —
designed to cause damage, security breaches or other threats to application security. An important part
of this definition is intent. Nonmalicious attacks do happen and are often accidental or due to
negligence. Malware can infect a network from a phishing email, for example.

Malicious code comes in many forms:

 Trojans

 Viruses

 Worms

 Ransomware

 Backdoor attacks

Malicious code can cause major disruptions on your computer and in your network. Files can be deleted,
a hacker might gain control of your computer, passwords may become compromised and daily
operations can be halted. These dangers make compliance with the NIST SP security control guidelines
vitally important in the United States. The code inserted inside your system gives a bad actor access. The
damage caused depends on the type of malicious code used and the attacker’s intent.

Examples of Malicious Code

Malicious code has been around as long as computers, though its form has changed over the years. In
the 1980s, malicious code came in the form of file infectors spread by using a floppy disk. With the
standardization of technology came an increase in instances of malicious code and malware, which was
accelerated by broad adoption of Web 2.0.

Different types of malicious code attack systems in different ways:

 Backdoor attacks are designed to use a virus or technology to bypass all security measures to
gain unauthorized access to a system or network.

 Scripting attacks inject malicious script into trusted websites, usually as browser side script via a
web application. TweetDeck suffered a scripting attack that caused all who fell victim to retweet
it, resulting in quick and expansive spread.

 Computer worms are a type of virus designed to self-replicate and spread across computers in a
network. In 2004 the authors of MyDoom, Bagle and Netsky spread email worms to each other,
eventually leading to better email scanning implementation.

 A trojan horse is malware that disguises itself as legitimate code or software. When inside a
network, attackers have the same access that a legitimate user does and can make changes to
files and data.

 Spyware is designed to stay hidden so that attackers can collect information and transmit data
from a computer’s hard drive. This also gives attackers access to things like screen grabbing,
keylogging and camera control.

 Ransomware is malicious software that blocks access to a system until money is paid to the
attacker.

Attackers use different methods depending on the type of malicious code used. Some of these methods
include the following:

 Social engineering. This is accomplished through human interaction and involves manipulating
people into giving away sensitive information, like the answers to security questions.

 Malicious scripts. These are fragments of code or malicious files hidden within legitimate
websites or third-party scripts.

 Vulnerability exploitation. This is used to make a network or system susceptible to malware and
further attack with inserted malicious code.

 Supply chain exploits. These target the relationship between an organization and the external
parties it works with for supply or sales.

Each of these malicious attacks can wreak havoc in your system just by gaining access to a single
computer. Whether they come in the form of a malware attack or a computer virus, detecting and
removing this malicious code needs to happen fast.

Detection and Removal of Malicious Code

There are several common warning signs that your computer or network has fallen victim to malicious
code or malware.

 Your computer slows down significantly overnight.

 Computer programs frequently begin crashing, even after restarting.

 Pop-ups spamming your screen often indicate there is spyware on a computer.

 Having access to network activity while offline is a sign of a virus.

 You experience a sudden increase or decrease in your hard drive’s capacity.

 Your contacts might be receiving strange messages from your email.

Once you’ve seen these signs, you can be sure you already have malicious code in your system. There are
types of antivirus software and antimalware to find and remove this malicious code. Removing this code
involves manually disconnecting from the internet, entering safe mode, and deleting temporary files.

With that done, you can run a malware scanner and begin to recover your systems. Recovery from a
malicious attack can cost your business significant resources. Read on for steps you can take to avoid
malicious code altogether.

Avoidance of Malicious Code

Malicious software comes in myriad forms, and keeping your business safe can be an uphill battle.
Avoiding and safeguarding against malicious code is a continuous process, but there are steps you can
take to ensure the safety of your business:

 Use white box testing to check the security of your system from attacks with a full understanding
of how your system functions.

 Implement employee security training across your company.

 Use antiphishing solutions to block phishing attempts from attackers posing as trusted entities.

 Purchase and maintain antivirus and antimalware software.

 Use secure web browsing features.

 Frequently scan for software vulnerability.

 Frequently patch and update software.

 Use zero-trust access management, which treats each access attempt as untrusted until
successful identity verification.

Using these different security strategies in tandem can do a lot to keep your business safe from malicious
code. Although using antivirus software is often the best way to defend against malicious attacks,
including other practices can improve your business’s safety.
Malicious Code Protection with CrowdStrike

The use of information technology is a requirement for modern businesses. The use of software, code,
and even email can lead to security vulnerabilities. Attackers use malicious code and malware to take
advantage of this vulnerability, but you can take steps to stop them.

CrowdStrike offers a variety of products that combine high-end technology with a human touch. The
CrowdStrike Falcon® platform delivers cloud-native, next-generation endpoint protection via a single
lightweight agent and offers an array of complementary prevention and detection methods.