Computer worm
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A computer worm is a program that is self-replicating. It typically makes use of a network to circulate its duplicate copies to other computers on the network.
In contrast with a computer virus, a worm need not hide in an existing program. Rather than requiring user action to infect or destroy files, a worm will connect and if possible, break in to other computers its host computer has network access to. Like the Invertebrate it is named after, it could be said to crawl about and reproduce with no external assistance, rarely being noticed.