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

Worms are a specific type of malware that are designed to replicate themselves and spread to other devices without the need for user intervention. They exploit vulnerabilities in network protocols to propagate through connected systems, often causing significant damage as they replicate and overload networks or consume bandwidth.

Unlike other types of malware, such as viruses which attach themselves to other legitimate programs or files and require human action to execute, worms can spread autonomously. This self-replicating nature makes worms particularly dangerous in networked environments, as they can quickly infect multiple devices and create widespread disruptions.

This differentiating capability of worms contributes to their classification as a unique form of malware that emphasizes the importance of network security measures to prevent unauthorized access and protect against infections.