SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/tech-worm-self-contained

What distinguishes a classic worm from a virus?

A worm is self-contained and can execute without a host program.

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  1. It is self-contained ✔
  2. It must attach to a document
  3. It only changes passwords

Why: A worm replicates as a standalone program, often spreading through a network service. A virus instead inserts itself into a host program or data file.

Huh, didn't know that: Network worms can spread quickly because they may require no user action.

The dad joke
The worm traveled alone because it was completely self-contained.
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References

Answer: It is self-contained. A worm replicates as a standalone program, often spreading through a network service. A virus instead inserts itself into a host program or data file.

  1. NIST SP 800-83 Rev. 1 nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/specialpublications/nist.sp.800-83r1.pdf
    A worm is a self-replicating, self-contained program that usually executes itself without user intervention.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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