Quick Answer
The answer is a worm. This is correct because a worm is a standalone malware program that self-replicates and spreads automatically across a network, often by sending copies of itself via email or network shares without requiring a host file or user action to propagate. In the scenario described, the malware spreads by emailing itself to all contacts after being downloaded, which is the classic behavior of a worm, distinguishing it from a virus, which needs to attach to a legitimate program, or a Trojan, which disguises itself as useful software. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your ability to differentiate malware types based on propagation methods; a common trap is confusing a worm with a virus because both can spread via email, but remember that a worm does not need to infect a host file to travel. A useful memory tip is to think of the “W” in worm as standing for “walks” on its own, while a virus needs a “vehicle” to hitch a ride.
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of malware types and removal. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A small business owner reports that all their employees are receiving emails from each other containing a link that, when clicked, downloads a file that installs a program that spreads to other contacts. The emails appear to come from known senders. What type of malware is this?
Virus
Why wrong: A virus requires a host file to attach to and does not spread automatically via email.
Worm
A worm spreads independently, often by sending copies of itself through email or network connections.
Trojan horse
Why wrong: A Trojan disguises itself as legitimate software but does not self-replicate.
Rootkit
Why wrong: A rootkit hides its presence and provides remote access, but does not spread via email.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Worm
A worm self-replicates and spreads automatically, often via email or network shares, without needing to attach to a host file. This behavior distinguishes it from a virus, Trojan, or rootkit.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Virus
Why it's wrong here
A virus requires a host file to attach to and does not spread automatically via email.
Worm
Why this is correct
A worm spreads independently, often by sending copies of itself through email or network connections.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Trojan horse
Why it's wrong here
A Trojan disguises itself as legitimate software but does not self-replicate.
Rootkit
Why it's wrong here
A rootkit hides its presence and provides remote access, but does not spread via email.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1202 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which 220-1202 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Malware Types and Removal — This question tests Malware Types and Removal — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Worm — A worm self-replicates and spreads automatically, often via email or network shares, without needing to attach to a host file. This behavior distinguishes it from a virus, Trojan, or rootkit.
Identify which 220-1202 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
This 220-1202 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1202 exam.
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