What can self replicate without a host program and will spread without human interaction or directives from malware authors?

A worm is a type of malware that is capable of self-replication and spreading independently across networks without the need for a host program or intervention from humans or the authors of the malware. Unlike viruses, which need to attach themselves to an executable file to spread, worms can exploit vulnerabilities in networked systems to propagate themselves autonomously.

Worms often utilize network protocols to find and infect other devices connected to the same network, making them particularly effective at spreading rapidly through insecure systems. This characteristic of spreading without direct human action distinguishes worms from other forms of malware, such as viruses, Trojans, or adware, which typically require some form of user interaction to facilitate their distribution or execution.

Understanding this behavior is essential in cybersecurity, as worms can cause significant damage and disruption by replicating themselves many times and consuming network resources, leading to potential system failures or security breaches.