What type of malware is designed to replicate itself and spread to other systems?

The type of malware that is specifically designed to replicate itself and spread to other systems is known as a virus. A virus attaches itself to a legitimate program or file, and when that program or file is executed, the virus is activated and can begin the process of replicating itself. It can spread to other systems through infected files shared via removable media, networks, or email attachments.

Viruses are particularly harmful as they not only compromise the infected system but can also propagate, leading to widespread damage across multiple computers. This self-replicating capability is a defining characteristic that distinguishes viruses from other types of malware, such as adware, which primarily focuses on advertising, spyware that stealthily collects user data, and trojan horses that disguise themselves as legitimate software without self-replicating features. Understanding how viruses operate is crucial for effective malware prevention and system security management.