FC0-U71 Security Practice Question

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 is self-replicating malware that spreads across networks independently, exploiting vulnerabilities or weak credentials to propagate. Unlike viruses, it requires no host file or user action to replicate, which is precisely the defining constraint stated in the stem.

• ✗

  Trojan

  Why it's wrong here

  A Trojan disguises itself as legitimate software and requires user execution; it cannot self-replicate or spread autonomously. It is tempting because Trojans do propagate malware, but only through deception. A worm would be correct, since it replicates and spreads across networks without a host file.

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  Virus

  Why it's wrong here

  A virus requires a host file or boot sector to attach to before it can replicate, so it cannot spread independently. It is tempting because viruses do self-replicate, but only via a carrier. A worm is correct, replicating and spreading across networks without attaching to any host file.

• ✗

  Ransomware

  Why it's wrong here

  Ransomware encrypts a victim's files and demands payment for the decryption key; it has no self-replication or propagation mechanism, so it cannot spread unaided to other computers. It is tempting because it spreads widely in real incidents, but that spread is achieved through phishing or exposed services, not autonomous replication like a worm.