Question

A destructive program that replicates itself throughout a single computer or across a network is called a _____________.

1) Virus
2) Malware
3) Spyware
4) Trojan

Answer 1

A destructive program that self-replicates and spreads throughout a computer or network is called a virus. They require user intervention to spread and can cause various harmful effects on the host system.

Step-by-step explanation:

A destructive program that replicates itself throughout a single computer or across a network is called a virus. A virus, much like a biological virus, injects its code into a host program or system. Once inside, it can take control of the host's functions to replicate and spread itself to other systems or files. This can cause a variety of harmful effects, from deleting files to stealing data. By definition, a virus requires user intervention to spread, such as opening an infected email attachment or downloading and running a malicious file.

Viruses infect nearly all life forms, including humans, animals, plants, bacteria, and fungi. They do not have the machinery to replicate and synthesize proteins, so they inject their genetic material into a host cell and hijack its nucleic acid and protein synthesis machinery to reproduce.