What is the difference between a computer virus and a worm?

The correct answer is B. A worm can replicate by itself, whereas a virus requires user action to replicate. Option B is correct because a worm is self-replicating malware that spreads across networks autonomously without any user interaction, while a virus must attach itself to a legitimate file or program and relies on a user to execute that file to propagate. Option A has it…

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Question

Options

AA virus can replicate by itself, whereas a worm requires user action to replicate.
BA worm can replicate by itself, whereas a virus requires user action to replicate.
CA worm can deposit an illicit server, whereas a virus cannot.
DA virus can deposit an illicit server, whereas a worm cannot.

How the community answered

(38 responses)

A
3% (1)
B
89% (34)
C
5% (2)
D
3% (1)

Explanation

Option B is correct because a worm is self-replicating malware that spreads across networks autonomously without any user interaction, while a virus must attach itself to a legitimate file or program and relies on a user to execute that file to propagate. Option A has it backwards - it incorrectly swaps the definitions of worm and virus. Options C and D introduce the concept of an "illicit server" (a payload behavior associated with Trojans), which is unrelated to the defining characteristic that distinguishes viruses from worms.

Memory tip: Think of a biological worm that wriggles on its own - a computer worm moves independently, just like its namesake. A virus, by contrast, needs a host (a file/program you run) to spread, just like a biological virus needs a host cell.

Topics

#Malware types#Worms and viruses#Cybersecurity fundamentals#Malware replication

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