A taxonomy of computer worms
Nicholas C. Weaver, Vern Paxson, Stuart Staniford, Robert K. Cunningham · 2003
To understand the threat posed by computer worms, it is necessary to understand the classes of worms, the attackers who may employ them, and the potential payloads. This paper describes a preliminary taxonomy based on worm target discovery and selection strategies, worm carrier mechanisms, worm activation, possible payloads, and plausible attackers who would employ a worm.