Any of a number of creeping or burrowing invertebrate animals with long, slender soft bodies and no limbs.

Understanding the Term Worm:

Worms are a type of malicious software designed to spread from one computer to another. Unlike viruses, worms do not need to attach themselves to an existing program or file to spread. They can replicate and spread independently, often exploiting vulnerabilities in computer networks to infect other devices.

Characteristics of Worms:
- Self-replicating: Worms have the ability to create copies of themselves and spread to other computers or networks.
- Autonomous: Once a worm infects a system, it can operate independently without requiring user interaction.
- Network-based: Worms typically spread over computer networks, taking advantage of vulnerabilities in software or operating systems.
- Destructive: Some worms are designed to cause harm to infected systems by deleting files, stealing data, or creating backdoors for hackers.

Common Worm Attack Vectors:
- Email attachments: Worms can be disguised as email attachments, prompting users to download and open them.
- Malicious websites: Visiting infected websites or clicking on malicious links can also lead to worm infections.
- Removable media: Worms can spread through USB drives or other removable storage devices when connected to infected computers.
- Network vulnerabilities: Exploiting security weaknesses in network protocols or software is another common method for worms to spread.

Preventing Worm Infections:
- Keep software updated: Regularly install security patches and updates to protect against known vulnerabilities.
- Use antivirus software: Maintain up-to-date antivirus software to detect and remove worms before they can cause harm.
- Beware of suspicious links and attachments: Exercise caution when opening emails or clicking on links from unknown sources.
- Enable firewalls: Use firewalls to block unauthorized network traffic and prevent worms from spreading.

In conclusion, worms are a type of malware that can propagate independently and cause significant damage to computer systems. By staying vigilant and implementing cybersecurity best practices, individuals and organizations can reduce the risk of worm infections.