Network Viruses

A network virus is a virus that is separated into several segments that each run on a different part of the network.  Network viruses are also referred to as network worms.  When network worms only have one main segment that coordinates what the other segments are doing, it is often called an “octopus."  Some network viruses can even steal password information and send it to a possibly malicious source.

Network viruses take advantage of network abilities that are otherwise extremely useful to the user.  These viruses use automated functions, such as those on e-mail, to spread themselves. 

Newer network viruses are using programming built into the macros of MS Office documents to spread themselves.  The macros have automated functions that are useful for easy infection.  This allows the virus to spread into the computer as soon as the Word or Excel data file is opened.  Viruses that have that ability are network and macro viruses. These are examples of multipartite viruses.