The difference between a virus and a worm |
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EXPERT RESPONSE FROM: Robert Vibert
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QUESTION POSED ON: 19 July 2001
What is the difference between a virus and a worm?
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Viruses and worms are cousins in the malware world. Today it is
common to find malware that includes the characteristics of both these
once relatively distinct species.
Although there is constant debate in the research world about what
constitutes a virus vs. a worm, I like to use the following as a base-line:
Virus -- a program that self-replicates.
Worm -- a program that propagates without action from a user or
program -- no host is required.
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