Worm
nounverified·updated May 9, 2026
A self-replicating, self-propagating, self-contained program that uses networking mechanisms to spread itself. See Malicious Code.
Framework senses
- §1
- A computer program that can run independently, can propagate a complete working version of itself onto other hosts on a network, and may consume computer resources destructively.
National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS) Cybersecurity Lexicon1 senseview framework →
- §1
- A self-replicating, self-propagating, self-contained program that uses networking mechanisms to spread itself.
- §1
- A programmed network attack in which a self-replicating program does not attach itself to programs, but rather spreads independently of users’ action
Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) IT Examination Handbook Infobase, Glossary1 senseview framework →
- §1
- A self-replicating malware computer program. It uses a computer network to send copies of itself to other nodes (computers on the network) and it may do so without any user intervention. This is primarily because of security vulnerabilities on the target computers.
- §1
- A self-replicating, self-propagating, self-contained program that uses networking mechanisms to spread itself. See Malicious Code.
- §1
- A self-replicating, self-propagating, self-contained program that uses networking mechanisms to spread itself. See Malicious Code.
- §1
- any of numerous relatively small elongated soft-bodied animals especially of the phyla Annelida and Chaetognatha and Nematoda and Nemertea and Platyhelminthes
- §2
- screw thread on a gear with the teeth of a worm wheel or rack
- §3
- a software program capable of reproducing itself that can spread from one computer to the next over a network
- §4
- a person who has a nasty or unethical character undeserving of respect