Worm
A type of self-replicating malware that spreads across networks without needing a host file or human action.
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Worm↗ is a type of self-replicating malware↗ that spreads automatically across networks and devices without needing to attach itself to a file or require any action from a user, unlike a virus, which typically needs a host program to run.
Because worms spread on their own, they can propagate extremely fast, sometimes infecting thousands of machines within hours by exploiting a single unpatched vulnerability↗. Famous examples have caused major internet-wide disruptions, which is why prompt patching remains one of the best defenses.