What is a Computer Virus?
A computer virus is a
self-replicating program containing code that
explicitly copies itself and that can
"infect" other programs by modifying them or
their environment such that a call to an infected
program implies a call to a possibly evolved copy of
the virus. This comes from the comp.virus
FAQ , an excellent (but lengthy) piece of
information about viruses.
What is a WORM?
Worms are very similar to viruses in
that they are computer programs that replicate
themselves and that often, but not always, contain
some functionality that will interfere with the normal
use of a computer or a program.
The difference is that unlike viruses,
worms exist as separate entities; they do not attach
themselves to other files or programs. A worm can
spread itself automatically over the network from one
computer to the next. Worms take advantage of
automatic file sending and receiving features found on
many computers.
What is the overall economic impact of
viruses and worms?
Symantec
Security Response director of research Steven
Trilling told NewsFactor that while antivirus
companies are not in the business of assessing the
worldwide economic impact of large outbreaks, the
financial damage caused by worms is very real.
"The numbers certainly differ across the
various organizations evaluating them," Trilling
said. "Clearly there is some cost, and it's
significant. Whether it was US$10 billion or $100
billion last year, it's hard to say."
Trilling noted that from his company's perspective,
the effect of worms is best measured by the number of
submissions the company receives from clients,
researchers and others infected by various viruses.
"That gives us some relative idea of the
damage," Trilling said. "It can give us an
idea of the magnitude of a SirCam or a Nimda."
complete story at http://www.ecommercetimes.com/perl/story/16407.html
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