Distinguish between a virus, a worm, and ransomware.

Distinguish between a virus, a worm, and ransomware.

• A. A worm self-replicates across networks without user action; a virus requires user action to spread; ransomware encrypts files and demands payment.
• B. A worm attaches to files; a virus self-replicates across networks; ransomware burns data.
• C. A virus attaches to files and requires user action to spread; a worm self-replicates across networks without user action; ransomware encrypts files and demands payment to restore access.
• D. Ransomware spreads by email only; a virus uses worm-like infection; a worm encrypts files.

Answer: (C)

Understanding how each malware type spreads and what it does to data is key. A virus attaches to a file or program and usually needs you to run it or open the infected item to spread further. A worm, on the other hand, moves from one machine to another on its own by exploiting network vulnerabilities, so it propagates without user action. Ransomware’s defining behavior is to encrypt the victim’s files and demand payment to restore access, often spreading through phishing or exploits but its hallmark is the encryption and ransom. The description that best fits all three is: a virus attaches to files and requires user action to spread; a worm self-replicates across networks without user action; ransomware encrypts files and demands payment to restore access.

Understanding how each malware type spreads and what it does to data is key. A virus attaches to a file or program and usually needs you to run it or open the infected item to spread further. A worm, on the other hand, moves from one machine to another on its own by exploiting network vulnerabilities, so it propagates without user action. Ransomware’s defining behavior is to encrypt the victim’s files and demand payment to restore access, often spreading through phishing or exploits but its hallmark is the encryption and ransom.

The description that best fits all three is: a virus attaches to files and requires user action to spread; a worm self-replicates across networks without user action; ransomware encrypts files and demands payment to restore access.