A worm is able to spread from one computer to another by replicating the file which carries its code. It uses the computer's systems to automatically mail copies of itself to systems over a network or from an electronic mail program's address book list. Since it uses the account customer's address, others may be caught off guard when someone they know sends them an innocuous message asking them to read a specific document. More advanced worms are able to avoid detection by changing the subject heading of the infected message. Depending on the way it presents itself in the system, the worm may remain undetected for some time.
Worms are also capable of accessing passwords and other system security settings.
It might also search for openings in the Internet processing components of the computer to install a program on that system that could be controlled remotely by someone over the Internet. Hoaxes Hoaxes are electronic mail or other group postings which raise an alarm about a nonexistent virus. The message is intended to cause its reader to forward the information to others, thus creating a pattern similar to a chain letter. Hoaxes are viewed negatively because they tend to alarm computer users about nonexistent viruses, and valuable resources are consumed while others attempt to verify the warning. The best way to verify the virus warning is to visit a reputable virus company's Web site, such as Symantec or Network Associates .