220-802 Question #355: Real Exam Question with Answer & Explanation

The correct answer is C: Worms self propagate while viruses need human intervention to replicate.. The fundamental distinction between a worm and a virus is their propagation method. Worms spread autonomously across networks, while viruses require a user to execute an infected file or program to replicate.

Question

Which of the following is TRUE about the difference between a worm and a virus?

Options

AWorms are written in assembly while viruses are written with scripting languages.
BViruses hide in the boot record while worms hide within the file system.
CWorms self propagate while viruses need human intervention to replicate.
DViruses disable the antivirus update service while worms kill the antivirus process.

Explanation

The fundamental distinction between a worm and a virus is their propagation method. Worms spread autonomously across networks, while viruses require a user to execute an infected file or program to replicate.

Common mistakes.

A. The programming language used to write malware is not a defining characteristic that distinguishes worms from viruses; both can be written in any language.
B. While some viruses target the boot record (called boot sector viruses), this describes a specific virus subtype, not a universal distinction between all viruses and all worms.
D. Disabling antivirus update services or killing antivirus processes are behaviors that some specific malware variants exhibit, but they are not the defining difference between the worm and virus categories.

Concept tested. Worm vs. virus propagation characteristics

Reference. https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/understanding-hidden-threats-rootkits-and-botnets

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