Malicious Code in Depth

Worms are just one type of malware that is available on the Internet. This short writeup introduces you to many of the common types of malware out there and the traits they share and also where they differ.

Malicious code refers to a broad category of software threats to your network and systems. Perhaps the most sophisticated types of threats to computer systems are presented by malicious codes that exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems. Any code which modifies or destroys data, steals data, allows unauthorized access Exploits or damage a system, and does something that user did not intend to do, is called malicious code. This paper will briefly introduce you to the various types of malicious code you will encounter, including Viruses, Trojan horses, Logic bombs and Worms.

Source: Malicious Code in Depth by Mohammad Heidari on December 1, 2004.