Internet Worm

Internet Worm – Stay Away From This Little Wiggler

Computer users today face a number of serious threats to the security of their computers and the safety of their personal data.  One of the most serious of these threats is the internet worm.  While there have always been computer viruses and related security threats, the nature of the internet allows problems like email worms and internet worms to spread like never before.  With the worldwide network of computers that makes up the internet, an infection can spread worldwide in a matter of hours, and this has in fact happened with a number of internet worms in the past.

How can I protect myself?
Many people think that an internet worm and computer viruses are an inevitable part of being on the internet, but this does not have to be the case.  There are a number of concrete steps internet users can take to make sure they are not victimized by the latest virus writer.

Arguably the most important step computer users can take to reduce the risk is to run a strong anti virus program, and to keep that program updated on a daily basis.  A frequently updated anti virus software program will be able to protect you from the  internet worm and email worms currently making their rounds.

Paying careful attention as you open your email is another smart strategy to follow.  Many of today’s email viruses and internet worms arrive via email.  While some require that the email be opened in order for the virus to spread, others do not.  Merely moving your mouse over the email, or viewing it in the preview pane, is enough to cause some internet worms to activate.  The best strategy when looking at your email is to immediately delete any mail you do not recognize or are not expecting.  It is also important never to click on a link in an email unless you are completely certain of its source.  Taking the extra step of calling the recipient is a good idea if you are unsure of the legitimacy of an email message.

Keep your operating system in top shape
Another frequent source of computer problems is a security flaw in the software that runs the computer.  Operating system software from all vendors is subject to security holes, and software companies are always releasing patches and updates to deal with security problems as they are identified.  Downloading these updates frequently is one of the best ways to keep your computer protected against an internet worm. 

Like anti virus updates, these operating system updates can be scheduled to run automatically.  Downloading the updates for later installation is a good strategy, and it can save the average computer user a lot of time.

Common sense and intuition are two additional strategies that can be used to detect and eliminate an internet worm.  If you notice that your computer is running more slowly than normal, or if you see a marked increase in spam or pop up ads, it may be a good idea to scan your computer for adware, spyware, viruses and other malicious software.  Staying alert and knowing what is normal for your system may be the best defense against malicious software.