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

The correct choice identifies a type of malware known for its ability to replicate itself and spread to other systems. This characteristic is pivotal in understanding what sets this type of malware apart from others.

A virus attaches itself to clean files and programs, and when these infected files are activated, the virus becomes active as well, allowing it to replicate and spread to other files and systems. This replication and dissemination mechanism is central to the definition of a virus, making it a significant threat in the realm of cybersecurity.

In contrast, spyware primarily focuses on gathering information from a user’s computer without their knowledge, and ransomware typically locks or encrypts user data, demanding payment for access or recovery. Meanwhile, a Trojan horse disguises itself as legitimate software to trick users into installing it but does not inherently replicate or spread on its own.

Therefore, understanding the self-replicating nature of a virus is essential because it illustrates how such malware can compromise multiple systems and lead to widespread infections, making it a critical concern in the field of computer security.