What is the primary function of a worm?

The primary function of a worm is to travel across networks and corrupt files. Worms are a type of malicious software (malware) that replicate themselves and spread from one computer to another without the need for human intervention. Unlike viruses, which require a host file to propagate, worms exploit vulnerabilities in network protocols or software to infect additional systems.

Once a worm infects a machine, it may also consume bandwidth, slow down performance, and potentially carry out harmful actions such as deleting or corrupting files. The self-replicating nature of worms allows them to spread rapidly across networks, often leading to widespread damage and disruption. This characteristic differentiates them from other types of malware that may focus more on specific tasks, such as hiding other malware or manipulating system performance. Understanding the nature of worms helps in implementing better security measures to prevent widespread infections.