FC0-U71 Security Practice Question
Which of the following is a characteristic of a worm compared to a virus?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
A worm can self-replicate without user intervention
A worm can spread automatically without needing to attach to a host file or require user action, while a virus typically requires a host file and user execution to spread.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
A worm is always disguised as legitimate software
Why it's wrong here
That describes a trojan.
- ✗
A worm is a type of ransomware
Why it's wrong here
Worms are not necessarily ransomware.
- ✓
A worm can self-replicate without user intervention
Why this is correct
Worms exploit network vulnerabilities to spread autonomously.
- ✗
A worm requires a host file to replicate
Why it's wrong here
That is a characteristic of a virus.
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Same concept, more angles
3 more ways this is tested on FC0-U71
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which of the following malware types is characterized by self-replication without needing to attach to a host file?
medium- ✓ A.Worm
- B.Virus
- C.Trojan
- D.Ransomware
Why A: A worm is standalone malware that replicates itself to spread to other computers, often using network connections.
Variation 2. Which type of malware is designed to replicate itself and spread to other computers without needing to attach to a host file?
medium- ✓ A.Worm
- B.Trojan
- C.Virus
- D.Ransomware
Why A: Worms are self-replicating and spread independently, unlike viruses which attach to files.
Variation 3. Which of the following is a characteristic of a worm in the context of malware?
easy- A.It disguises itself as legitimate software
- B.It encrypts files and demands a ransom
- C.It requires a host file to spread
- ✓ D.It self-replicates without needing a host file
Why D: A worm is a standalone malware that replicates itself to spread to other computers without needing to attach to a host file, often exploiting network vulnerabilities.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This FC0-U71 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 FC0-U71 exam.