Information Technology Specialist (ITS) Cybersecurity Practice Exam

A computer malware code that replicates itself on the target computer and spreads through the network is referred to as a _____.

1. Worm

2. Spyware

3. Trojan horse

4. Virus

The correct answer is: Virus

The correct answer is recognized as the term commonly used to describe self-replicating malware that spreads across networks. Worms are a specific type of malware designed to replicate themselves and propagate independently of human action. They exploit vulnerabilities in network protocols and software to move from one computer to another, often without needing a host file, which differentiates them from viruses. A worm's capability to autonomously spread throughout a network distinguishes it from other types of malware, such as spyware, which primarily focuses on gathering information without a self-replicating characteristic. Similarly, Trojan horses disguise themselves as legitimate software but do not have the ability to replicate or spread like worms. Viruses, while also capable of replicating, typically require a host program to do so, and they often require user intervention for distribution. Therefore, the defining characteristics of a worm accurately reflect the nature of the specified malware.