Which term refers to a piece of code capable of copying themselves and typically have a detrimental effect, such as corrupting a system or destroying data?

Which term refers to a piece of code capable of copying themselves and typically have a detrimental effect, such as corrupting a system or destroying data?

• A. Viruses
• B. Word Processor
• C. Distribution Lists
• D. Formulas

Answer: (A)

Self-replicating harmful code is what a computer virus is. A virus attaches to programs or files and copies itself when the infected program runs, spreading to other files and systems. This self-propagation is what allows it to reach more data and devices, and the harmful effects—such as corrupting data, destroying information, or disrupting operations—are a common result of that replication. The other terms don’t describe self-replicating malware: a word processor is just a program for creating documents, distribution lists are groups of contacts used to send messages, and formulas are calculations in spreadsheets. None of those inherently copy themselves or cause damage.

Self-replicating harmful code is what a computer virus is. A virus attaches to programs or files and copies itself when the infected program runs, spreading to other files and systems. This self-propagation is what allows it to reach more data and devices, and the harmful effects—such as corrupting data, destroying information, or disrupting operations—are a common result of that replication. The other terms don’t describe self-replicating malware: a word processor is just a program for creating documents, distribution lists are groups of contacts used to send messages, and formulas are calculations in spreadsheets. None of those inherently copy themselves or cause damage.