Identifying Malware That Spreads Between Systems
Short answer
A A worm is the type of malware that spreads independently from one system to another or network to network, causing damage similar to viruses.
Question
Which type of malware spreads from one system to another or from one network to another and causes similar types of damage as viruses do to the infected system?
Key Takeaways
The core concept tested is the distinction between self-replicating network-spreaders (Worms) and host-dependent malware (Trojans/Viruses). The common trap is confusing Trojans with Worms due to both being malicious, but only Worms spread autonomously.
This question distinguishes between malware types based on their replication and propagation capabilities. The correct answer identifies the specific malware that spreads independently across network connections to cause damage similar to viruses.
Common mistake: Candidates often select Trojan (D) because it is a well-known malware type, failing to notice the keyword 'spreads from one system to another' which implies autonomous propagation without user intervention or file attachment.
Expert Analysis
Why the Answer Is Correct
A Worm (Option A) is defined by its ability to replicate itself and spread across networks independently, without requiring user interaction or attaching to a host file. This autonomous spreading mechanism allows it to move from one system to another or from one network to another, causing damage comparable to viruses.Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Rootkits (B) are designed to hide the presence of other malware, not primarily to spread. Adware (C) displays unwanted advertisements and typically requires user installation or bundling. Trojans (D) disguise themselves as legitimate software and require a user to execute them; they do not self-replicate or spread autonomously across networks like worms do.Community Comment Notes
Community consensus strongly supports Option A. As shaody noted, "Worms are malicious programs that independently replicate, execute, and spread across the network connections." Another commenter confirmed this aligns with CEHv12 study materials, reinforcing that autonomous spreading is the key identifier for worms.Exam Strategy
Focus on the keywords 'spreads', 'independently', and 'network'. If the malware moves itself across a network without user help, it is a Worm. If it needs a user to open it, it is likely a Trojan or Virus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a Trojan not the correct answer?
Trojans do not self-replicate or spread autonomously; they require a user to download and execute the malicious file.
Do worms always cause the same damage as viruses?
They can cause similar damage (deletion, corruption), but their primary distinction is the method of propagation across networks.
Community Votes
100% of anonymous learners picked answer A. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.
Discussion 3 contributions
Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded.
From public community threads 3
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shaody 👍 1 Answered AWorms are malicious programs that independently replicate, execute, and spread across the network connections.
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insaniunt 👍 2 Answered AA. Worm
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kenjeshry 👍 1 Answered ACEHv12 p1058
Reader comments & corrections
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