A _____________ is a computer program that can self-replicate and propagate over the network.

Correct option is A

A worm is a type of malware that can self-replicate and spread across networks without needing a host file. Unlike viruses, which require user intervention or an infected host, worms autonomously duplicate and transmit themselves, making them highly effective at propagating through network systems.
Important Key Points:
1. Self-Replication: Worms are capable of duplicating themselves without user actions, increasing the speed at which they spread across systems.
2. Network Propagation: They primarily target network vulnerabilities, spreading across devices connected to the same network, causing significant disruptions.
3. Resource Consumption: Worms often consume large amounts of bandwidth and processing power, slowing down network performance and potentially causing system crashes.
Knowledge Booster:
· Trojan Horse: Malware disguised as legitimate software, requiring user execution to cause harm, without self-replicating capabilities.
· Boot Sector Virus: Infects the boot sector of storage devices, executing upon system startup, but does not self-replicate over networks.
· Macro Virus: Attaches to macros in applications like MS Office, executing within the application but lacking network propagation abilities.