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

A virus is a type of malware specifically designed to replicate itself and spread to other systems. Once it infects a host, it often attaches itself to legitimate programs or files, allowing it to execute and propagate when the infected program is run. This replication process is what enables viruses to spread across networks and devices, potentially causing extensive damage and utilizing resources without the user’s consent. The capability to spread and the manner in which it infects other files distinguish viruses from other forms of malware.

In contrast, spyware is primarily designed to collect information about users without their knowledge. Trojan horses masquerade as legitimate software but do not inherently replicate themselves; instead, they deceive users into installing them. Ransomware, while also malicious, focuses on encrypting a user’s files and demanding a ransom for access, rather than replicating itself to spread further. Each of these other types of malware has distinct purposes that differ significantly from the self-replicating nature of a virus.