A program that replicates itself and clogs computers and networks.
A Trojan horse
B Virus
C Denial-of-service attack
D Worm
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is D) Worm.
Explanation:
A worm is a type of malicious software (malware) that is designed to replicate itself and spread across computers and networks without needing to attach itself to another program or file. Unlike viruses, worms do not require human action to spread; they exploit vulnerabilities in operating systems or software to copy themselves onto other devices over networks.
Key characteristics of a worm:
- Self-replication: Worms automatically make copies of themselves.
- Network propagation: They spread through network connections, often exploiting security holes or weaknesses.
- Resource consumption: Because worms replicate uncontrollably, they can clog computers, servers, and networks, consuming bandwidth and processing power.
- No host program needed: Worms operate independently, unlike viruses that attach to host files.
Why the other options are incorrect:
- A) Trojan horse: A Trojan horse is malware disguised as legitimate software. It does not replicate itself but tricks users into installing it to cause damage or steal data.
- B) Virus: A virus is malware that attaches itself to legitimate files or programs and spreads when the infected file is shared. Viruses require user action to spread, such as opening an infected file or program.
- C) Denial-of-service (DoS) attack: This is an attack designed to overwhelm a computer or network with traffic to make it unavailable. It is not malware and does not replicate itself; instead, it floods resources to cause disruption.
Why worms are dangerous:
Worms are particularly dangerous because of their ability to spread rapidly without user intervention. A famous example is the ILOVEYOU worm that spread via email in 2000, causing billions of dollars in damage. Worms can slow down or completely block network traffic and overload systems, leading to crashes and loss of productivity. Some worms also carry payloads that can install backdoors or steal data once they have infected a system.
In summary, worms are self-replicating programs that clog systems and networks, making option D) Worm the correct choice.