FC0-U71 Security Practice Question
Which of the following malware types is characterized by self-replication without needing to attach to a host file?
⚠ Common exam trap
FC0-U71 often tests the misconception that all self-replicating malware are viruses, but the key differentiator is the need for a host file; worms are standalone, viruses are not.
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
✓
Worm
A worm is a standalone malware program that self-replicates and spreads across networks without requiring a host file or user intervention. It exploits vulnerabilities or uses social engineering to move between systems, often consuming bandwidth and system resources. Unlike viruses, worms do not need to attach themselves to legitimate files to propagate.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Worm
Why this is correct
A worm self-replicates across networks without attaching to a host file, satisfying the stem's defining constraint. Unlike viruses, which require a host executable to spread, worms propagate independently via exploits or network shares, consuming bandwidth and executing payloads autonomously. This distinction makes worm the precise match for the scenario described.
- ✗
Virus
Why it's wrong here
A virus requires a host file or boot sector to attach to and propagate, so it cannot self-replicate independently. It is tempting because viruses are the archetypal self-spreading malware, and a virus would be correct if the question asked about code that spreads by infecting executable files or documents.
- ✗
Trojan
Why it's wrong here
A Trojan disguises itself as legitimate software and does not self-replicate; propagation depends on user execution. It is tempting because Trojans spread widely in practice, and a Trojan would be correct if the question asked about malware relying on social engineering rather than autonomous copying.
- ✗
Ransomware
Why it's wrong here
Ransomware encrypts data and demands payment; it does not self-replicate, spreading instead through phishing, exploits or manual deployment. It is tempting because ransomware dominates current incident reports, and it would be correct if the question asked which malware denies access to files until a ransom is paid.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
Courseiva writes every FC0-U71 question from scratch — 988 in total, each with an explanation and a wrong-answer breakdown. None are copied from real exams or dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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.