Which type of malware is designed to replicate itself and spread to other computers?

• A. A virus
• B. A Trojan horse
• C. A worm
• D. Spyware

Answer: (C)

A worm is specifically designed to replicate itself and spread to other computers without any user intervention. Unlike a virus, which requires a host file to attach to and a user to execute it, a worm can autonomously move across networks. This self-propagating characteristic allows it to infect multiple systems, often exploiting vulnerabilities in network security or software.

Worms can rapidly consume bandwidth and resources due to their ability to create multiple copies of themselves, which is why they pose a significant threat in cyber environments. This distinguishes them clearly from other types of malware. For instance, while Trojan horses masquerade as legitimate software to trick users into executing them, they do not self-replicate. Similarly, spyware is designed to gather data from users without their knowledge, and does not focus on replication or spreading to other systems. Thus, the defining feature of a worm is its capability of self-replication and distribution across networks, making it the correct answer to the question.