A macro virus can be spread through email attachments, discs, networks, modems, and the internet. Uninfected documents contain normal macros. Most macros start automatically when a document is opened or closed. A common way for a macro virus to infect a computer is by replacing normal macros with the virus. The macro virus replaces the regular commands with the same name and runs when the command is selected. In this case where the macro is run automatically, the macro is opened without the user knowing.

Once the application opens a file that contains a macro virus, the virus can infect the system. At the lease, it will begin to embed itself in other documents and templates, as well as future ones created. It may corrupt other parts of the system as well, depending on what resources a macro in this application can get access to. As the infected documents are shared with other users and systems, the virus will spread.

The three best ways to avoid this virus is to – make sure to download and apply any security patches available to your e- mail. Check your virus scanner has built in e-mail scanning. Apply a setting to your e-mails which most providers offer so e-mail can only be read in plain text format.

Without proper configuration, a firewall can often become worthless. Standard security practices dictate a “default-deny” firewall ruleset, in which the only network connections which are allowed are the ones that have been explicitly allowed. Unfortunately, such a configuration requires detailed understanding of the network applications and endpoints required for the organization’s day-to-day operation. Many businesses lack such understanding, and therefore implement a “default-allow” ruleset, in which all traffic is allowed unless it has been specifically blocked. This configuration makes inadvertent network connections and system compromise much more likely.

Many worms have been created which are only designed to spread, and don’t attempt to alter the systems they pass through. However, as the Morris worm and Mydoom showed, the network traffic and other unintended effects can often cause major disruption. A “payload” is code designed to do more than spread the worm – it might delete files on a host system (e.g., the ExploreZip worm), encrypt files in a cryptoviral extortion attack, or send documents via e-mail. A very common payload for worms is to install a backdoor in the infected computer to allow the creation of a “zombie” under control of the worm author – Sobig and Mydoom are examples which created zombies. Networks of such machines are often referred to as botnets and are very commonly used by spam senders for sending junk email or to cloak their website’s address. Spammers are therefore thought to be a source of funding for the creation of such worms, and worm writers have been caught selling lists of IP addresses of infected machines. Others try to blackmail companies with threatened DoS attacks.

Anti virus software is affective against worms

A simple example of a Trojan horse would be a program named “waterfalls.scr” where its author claims it is a free waterfall screensaver. When run, it instead unloads hidden programs, commands, scripts, or any number of commands with or without the user’s knowledge or consent. Malicious Trojan Horse programs are often used to circumvent protection systems in effect creating a vulnerable system to allow unauthorized access to the user’s computer. Non-malicious Trojan Horse programs are used for managing systems, deploying software, surveillance, and forensics.

Since Trojan horses have a variety of forms, there is no single method to delete them. The simplest responses involve clearing the temporary internet files on a computer, or finding the file and deleting it manually. Normally, anti-virus software is able to detect and remove the trojan automatically. If the antivirus cannot find it, Rebooting the computer in Safemode (with or without networking) may allow an antivirus program to find a trojan and delete it.

With many computers connected to the internet and LANs (local area networks), the problems posed by virus’s has increased as they can spread far and quickly.

To stop them affecting your computer use antivirus software such as BitDefender or Kaspersky , these can cost up to $40 although there is some free software that can be found via downloads online. Of course people can also be vigilant about opening/viewing  suspicious software and e-mails.