Standalone software that does not require a user to assist in its propagation is often called a computer virus or just a virus.
However, in order for a virus to propagate (transmit a copy of itself) to another computer, there must be something on the second computer that allows the virus to be accepted and to run/execute. It could be a person not aware of the virus that allows it to be accepted. It also could be software on the destination computer that, by design or as a result of faulty programming, intentionally or unintentionally allows the virus program to enter the computer and become active.
Which answer best identifies stand-alone software that does not require a user to assist in its propogation
Which answer best identifies stand-alone software that does not require a user to assist in its propogation
a worm
a worm
a worm
a worm
virus
worm
Worms do not require human assistance in order to spread. Viruses, backdoors, and rootkits all require some form of user assistance in order to propagate, most often by opening or executing an infected file.
Rootkit
The best answer is b. Worm. A worm is a type of malicious software that can replicate itself and spread to other computers without any user intervention, unlike a virus which often requires user action to propagate. Worms exploit vulnerabilities in networks to distribute themselves automatically.
a worm