- A
Virus
Why wrong: A virus requires a host file to attach to and does not spread automatically via email.
- B
Worm
A worm spreads independently, often by sending copies of itself through email or network connections.
- C
Trojan horse
Why wrong: A Trojan disguises itself as legitimate software but does not self-replicate.
- D
Rootkit
Why wrong: A rootkit hides its presence and provides remote access, but does not spread via email.
Question 746 of 750
Worm Malware: Self-Replicating Email Spread
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?
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.
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
The correct answer is B (Worm) because the malware self-replicates by sending copies of itself via email to all contacts without requiring user action beyond clicking the link. Unlike a virus, it does not need to attach to a host file; it spreads autonomously over the network using the email system as a transport mechanism.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
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
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the distinction between a virus and a worm by emphasizing that a worm self-propagates without user intervention beyond initial activation, whereas a virus requires host file attachment and user execution of that file.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A worm exploits network services or email clients to propagate, often using SMTP or MAPI to send copies of itself. In this scenario, the worm likely uses the victim's email address book to send malicious links, leveraging social engineering to trick recipients into clicking. Real-world examples like the ILOVEYOU worm used VBScript to overwrite files and spread via Outlook, demonstrating how worms can cause widespread damage without needing a host file.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Malware Types and Removal — This question tests Malware Types and Removal — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Worm — The correct answer is B (Worm) because the malware self-replicates by sending copies of itself via email to all contacts without requiring user action beyond clicking the link. Unlike a virus, it does not need to attach to a host file; it spreads autonomously over the network using the email system as a transport mechanism.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 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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