CyberCertPrepSecurity FundamentalsThreat LandscapeEASYFree question
What distinguishes a computer virus from a worm?
- A.B. A virus requires a host file or user action to spread; a worm self-replicates across networks without user interaction
- B.A. Viruses are harmless; worms are destructive
- C.C. Worms can only spread via email
- D.D. Viruses only affect Linux systems
Why A is correct
A virus attaches to legitimate files or programs and requires user action (opening a file, running a program) to spread. A worm is self-replicating malware that spreads independently across networks by exploiting vulnerabilities. The Morris Worm (1988) was the first major internet worm.
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