Question

Which of the following is an independent malicious program that needs no host to work ?
1. Trap doors
2. Trojan horse
3. Virus
4. Worm

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : Worm

The correct answer is Worm.

• A worm is an independent malicious program that does not need a host to work.

• Worm
  • It is a type of malware that spreads copies of itself from computer to computer.
  • A worm can replicate itself without any human interaction, and it does not need to attach itself to a software program to cause damage.
  • Worms can be transmitted via software vulnerabilities.
  • worms could arrive as attachments in spam emails or instant messages (IMs). Once opened, these files could provide a link to a malicious website or automatically download the computer worm.
  • Once it’s installed, the worm silently goes to work and infects the machine without the user’s knowledge.
  • Worms can modify and delete files, and they can even inject additional malicious software onto a computer.
  • Worms can also steal data, install a backdoor, and allow a hacker to gain control over a computer and its system settings.
  • Updating a computer’s operating system and applications with the latest versions and Installing these updates as soon as they’re available may reduce the system's vulnerability as these updates often include patches for security flaws.
  • Be extra vigilant while opening unsolicited emails.
• Trap door
  • It is a secret entry point into a program that allows someone aware of the trap door to gain access without going through the usual security access procedures.
  • Trap doors become threats when they are used by unscrupulous programmers to gain unauthorized access.
  • It is difficult to implement operating system controls for trap doors.
  • The trap doors may take the form of an installed program (e.g., Back Orifice) or may subvert the system through a rootkit.
• Trojan horse
  • ​Trojan, is a type of malicious code or software that looks legitimate but can take control of your computer.
  • A Trojan is designed to damage, disrupt, steal, or in general, inflict some other harmful action on your data or network.
  • A Trojan acts as a bona fide application or file to trick you.
  • It seeks to deceive you into loading and executing the malware on your device. Once installed, a Trojan can perform the action it was designed for.
  • A Trojan is sometimes called a Trojan virus or a Trojan horse virus, but that’s a misnomer.
  • Viruses can execute and replicate themselves. A Trojan cannot.
• Computer virus 
  • It is designed to spread from host to host and has the ability to replicate itself.
  • A computer virus cannot reproduce and spread without programmings such as a file or document.
  • A computer virus is a type of malicious code or program written to alter the way a computer operates and is designed to spread from one computer to another.
  • A virus operates by inserting or attaching itself to a legitimate program or document.
  • A virus has the potential to cause unexpected or damaging effects, such as harming the system software by corrupting or destroying data.
  • Once a virus has successfully attached to a program, file, or document, the virus will lie dormant until circumstances cause the computer or device to execute its code.
  • For a virus to infect your computer, you have to run the infected program, which in turn causes the virus code to be executed.
  • Viruses can be spread through email and text message attachments, Internet file downloads, and social media scam links.
  • To avoid contact with a virus, it’s important to exercise caution when surfing the web, downloading files, and opening links or attachments.