What type of malware is capable of self-replicating and spreading to other computer systems?

What type of malware is capable of self-replicating and spreading to other computer systems?

• A. Trojan Horse
• B. Computer Worm
• C. Ransomware
• D. Adware

Answer: (B)

Self-replicating, network-spreading behavior is the hallmark of a computer worm. A worm can move from one machine to another on its own, often by scanning for vulnerable systems and copying itself without any user action. This automatic propagation is what makes worms particularly dangerous, because infections can explode across networks in a short time, even if users don’t click anything. A Trojan Horse, by contrast, hides malicious intent inside something that looks legitimate but requires a user to run it or open it. It doesn’t automatically spread to other systems on its own. Ransomware aims to encrypt files and demand payment; it may spread in some cases, but its defining feature is the encryption and ransom, not autonomous propagation. Adware simply displays unwanted advertisements and isn’t about self-spreading across systems.

Self-replicating, network-spreading behavior is the hallmark of a computer worm. A worm can move from one machine to another on its own, often by scanning for vulnerable systems and copying itself without any user action. This automatic propagation is what makes worms particularly dangerous, because infections can explode across networks in a short time, even if users don’t click anything.

A Trojan Horse, by contrast, hides malicious intent inside something that looks legitimate but requires a user to run it or open it. It doesn’t automatically spread to other systems on its own. Ransomware aims to encrypt files and demand payment; it may spread in some cases, but its defining feature is the encryption and ransom, not autonomous propagation. Adware simply displays unwanted advertisements and isn’t about self-spreading across systems.