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

The correct answer is the type of malware known as a worm. Worms are a specific category of malicious software that are designed to replicate themselves and spread autonomously to other computers or devices over networks. Unlike viruses, which require a host file to execute and spread, worms can exploit vulnerabilities in software or network configurations to propagate independently. This allows them to cover significant ground quickly, often without any user intervention.

Worms typically do not need to attach themselves to an application or rely on human action for distribution, which distinguishes them from other forms of malware like viruses or Trojans. In the case of a virus, for example, it requires a host file to function and spread, relying on users to execute the infected file. Understanding this distinction is crucial in recognizing how various types of malware operate and spread within networks.