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Which type of malware can replicate itself and spread across networks without human intervention?

  1. Trojan

  2. Adware

  3. Worm

  4. Spyware

The correct answer is: Worm

The correct answer is the type of malware known as a worm. Worms are malicious software programs that possess the ability to self-replicate and spread across networks independently. Unlike other malware types, such as Trojans or spyware, worms do not require any interaction from the user to move from one infected system to another. They exploit vulnerabilities in operating systems or applications, allowing them to travel through network connections without needing to attach themselves to any specific program or file. This autonomous behavior is what differentiates worms from other types of malware. For example, Trojans disguise themselves as legitimate applications to trick users into executing them, while adware typically serves advertisements and collects user data without malicious intent. Spyware, on the other hand, is designed to gather information about a user without their consent, but it also requires some form of user action to be installed or executed. Therefore, worms' ability to autonomously replicate and propagate through networks makes them a significant threat in the cybersecurity landscape.