Worm: A type of virus that replicates itself and gobbles up computer memory but cannot attach itself to other programs. Well-known worms include Klez.H, LoveLetter (sometimes called "IloveYou"), Bugbear, and Lovgate.
Further Reading
The following books, all available from Amazon (www.amazon.com) and other booksellers, offer generally easy-to-understand information about computer viruses:
Securing the Network from Malicious Code: A Complete Guide to Defending Against Viruses, Worms, and Trojans, by Douglas Schweitzer (John Wiley & Sons, 2002). Offers sound, practical, comprehensive advice from a security expert. Updates provided on a companion Web site.
Malicious Mobile Code: Virus Protection for Windows, by Roger A. Grimes (O'Reilly & Associates, 2001). Focuses on defensive strategies.
Viruses Revealed, by David Harley, Robert Slade, and Urs E. Gattiker (McGraw-Hill/ Osborne Media, 2001). Explains what viruses are, how they work, where they come from, how to prevent them, and how to deal with them. Includes case studies. Also available as a downloadable, searchable e-book.
Resources
The following Web sites provide comprehensive information about viruses, worms, and similar threats:
About.com Antivirus Software Guide
antivirus.about.com/index.htm?terms=computer+virus
News, glossary, encyclopedia of hoaxes, links to vendors and other resources.
CERT Coordination Center, Carnegie Mellon University
www.cert.org/
A wealth of information on all aspects of computer security at work and at home.
CNET Virus Alert Center
www.cnet.com/software/0-7760531-8-6319437-1.html
News on current threats, advice on PC protection, links to free resources, and antivirus software vendors.
Computer Security Institute
www.gocsi.com
Major membership organization for technology-security professionals; Web site contains articles, reports, and links to additional resources about viruses and other security issues.
International Computer Security Association (ICSA) Labs
www.icsa.net
Independent arm of security vendor TruSecure Corp. (www.trusecure.com) offers "vendor-agnostic" testing and research. Web site contains constantly updated virus alerts, white papers, studies, an annual Virus Prevalence Survey, and more.
National Institutes of Standards and TechnologyComputer Security Resource Center Virus Page
csrc.nist.gov/virus/
Information, links to other resources and antivirus software vendors.
Sophos Inc.
www.sophos.com/safecomputing
Safe-computing advice for both network administrators and individual users.
Virus Bulletin
www.virusbtn.com
Independent antivirus advice, news, profiles, and resources.
Vmyths
http://www.vmyths.com
Supersite for information on virus myths and hoaxes.
Vendors
Following is a sampling of major antivirus software vendors whose offerings include products, services, and information targeted to small and growing companies:
Command Software Systems Inc.
www.commandsoftware.com
Founded 1984; now part of Authentium Inc. Offers antivirus software for home users, large companies, and small businesses. Web site's Virus Center includes news, alerts, a glossary, research, e-mail newsletters, and other information.
Computer Associates International Inc.
www.ca.com
Founded 1976. Offers antivirus software for businesses. Web site's Virus Information Center contains alerts, encyclopedia, and an extensive glossary.
McAfee Security
www.mcafee.com/
Founded 1989. Offers antivirus and security solutions for home users, large companies, and small and growing businesses. Network Associates Inc., McAfee's parent company, provides free virus alerts, updates, update on hoaxes, and other information.
Panda Software Inc.
www.pandasoftware.com
Founded 1990. Offers antivirus software for home users, large companies, and small and growing businesses. Web site includes Virus Information Center with virus encyclopedia (including "Top 5" current threats), hoax updates, tips, and other resources.
Sophos Inc.
www.sophos.com
Founded 1986. Offers antivirus software for companies of all sizes. Web site includes a rich collection of analyses, articles, updates on hoaxes, and alerts, including monthly "Top 10" virus list.
Symantec Corp.
www.symantec.com
Founded 1982. Offers firewalls, antivirus software, and other security solutions for home users, large companies, and small and growing businesses. Web site provides free virus alerts, library of virus information. Customers can download anti-virus updates from home page. Provides updates on hoaxes.
Trend Micro Inc.
www.trendmicro.com
Founded 1988. Offers network antivirus software and other security products and services. Web site includes virus advisories, encyclopedia, prevention tips, and additional information. Also offers a free online cost-analysis calculator for determining potential financial impact of virus attacks.
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