In a computer, a worm is a self-replicating virus that does not alter files but resides in active memory and duplicates itself. Worms use parts of an operating system that are automatic and usually invisible to the user. It is common for worms to be noticed only when their uncontrolled replication consumes system resources, slowing or halting other tasks.
This term is not to be confused with WORM (write once, read many).
This was last updated in July 2000
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Adobe Reader X uses Microsoft's sandboxing technology to block potentially dangerous processes from executing beyond the confines of the software.
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Microsoft repaired four vulnerabilities in its Forefront Unified Access Gateway and a critical flaw in Microsoft Office.
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Download the entire October 2010 issue of Information Security magazine here in PDF format.
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