Which of the following best describes a computer worm?

AMalware that does not replicate itself but spreads through social engineering

BMalware that replicates by attaching itself to a word processing document

CMalware that replicates by attaching itself to an executable programme

DMalware that replicates itself as standalone software ✓ Correct

Correct answer: (D) Malware that replicates itself as standalone software

Explanation

A computer worm is malware that replicates itself as standalone software, spreading across networks without needing a host file.

Malware that does not replicate but spreads by social engineering describes a Trojan, not a worm.

Malware that attaches to a word processing document describes a macro virus.

Malware that attaches to an executable programme describes a file infecting virus.

A worm is self contained and copies itself from one computer to another on its own.

The Morris worm of 1988 was one of the first worms to spread widely across the early internet.

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