What is the Difference Between Virus and Worm?

The main difference between a virus and a worm lies in how they self-replicate and spread. Here are the key differences:

• Virus: A virus is a malicious executable code attached to another executable file. It requires a host to replicate from one computer to another. Viruses are often designed to destroy personal files or seize control of someone's digital devices. They need an external action, such as opening an infected file or running a specific program, to be activated.
• Worm: A worm is a stand-alone malicious program that can self-replicate and propagate independently as soon as it has breached the system. Worms can replicate and spread without any human activation, and they don't require a host file to be activated. They often exploit network configuration errors or security loopholes in the operating system to spread across networks. Worms typically consume system resources, such as memory and bandwidth, causing the affected system to slow down.

Both viruses and worms can cause damage to computer systems, but their impact can range in severity from mild to catastrophic. While viruses are often designed to cause damage, worms primarily consume system resources, making them less harmful than viruses. However, due to their rapid spread, worms can cause significant network congestion and slow down system performance.

Comparative Table: Virus vs Worm

Here is a table comparing the differences between viruses and worms:

In summary, viruses are malicious code attached to executable files, requiring a host to replicate and spread, while worms are stand-alone programs that replicate and spread without a host. Viruses are generally more harmful and aim to modify information, whereas worms consume system resources and are usually less harmful.