Viruses and Worms 

Share

Latest news on computer viruses and worms (also computer worms, internet viruses, internet worms, macro viruses and cryptoviruses), covering malware, rootkits, trojans, self-replicating worms, AI worms, antivirus software, anti-virus software, Norton AntiVirus, Kaspersky, McAfee, Symantec antivirus, virus removal and famous names such as the Melissa virus, Ramen worm, Sobig and Mydoom.

A computer virus is a program that attaches itself to files or code and spreads when they run. A worm spreads by itself across networks without needing a host file. Both are forms of malware, alongside trojans and ransomware. Rootkits hide malicious code from the user, while macro viruses are hidden in documents. Antivirus software scans for known threats and removes them.

Researchers are now studying worms that use artificial intelligence. In October 2026 AI safety researchers warned that small AI models could in future copy themselves across smart devices. They have not shown a fully autonomous worm on real hardware, and the demonstrations relied on devices with weak security. Experts say any such outbreak would be hard to contain because it has no central point to shut down.

Defences are mostly simple. Keep software and devices updated, back up files, treat unexpected email attachments with caution and run reputable antivirus software on computers and phones. Vendors such as Avast, Bitdefender, ESET, Kaspersky, McAfee, Norton and Symantec sell protection, and Windows ships with its own. Reviews compare detection rates, speed and price.

Opinions differ on how much protection people need. Some experts say built-in operating system tools are enough for many home users, while others argue a dedicated antivirus adds detection and extra features. Security researchers analyse new samples and share what they find, and victims often only notice when a computer slows, files vanish or a ransom note appears.

The Creeper program of 1971 is often called the first self-replicating program, and the Elk Cloner virus spread on Apple II floppy disks in 1982. The Morris worm of November 1988 crippled roughly 6,000 of about 60,000 connected machines, led to the creation of the CERT Coordination Center, and brought the first conviction under the US Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. Melissa in 1999 and ILOVEYOU in May 2000 spread by email, SQL Slammer swept the internet in January 2003 and Conficker appeared in 2008.

New threats appear every week. Our NewsNow viruses and worms feed gathers the latest headlines on computer viruses, computer worms, malware, rootkits, antivirus software and AI worms from reliable sources worldwide, so you have a comprehensive, up-to-date view.