Final answer:
A malware that replicates its code to infect other files is called a virus, functioning similar to biological viruses and potentially leading to data corruption or unauthorized access.
Step-by-step explanation:
A type of malware that replicates its source code to infect other files is known as a virus. This kind of malware attaches itself to legitimate programs or documents and, when these programs are executed or these documents are opened, the virus is also executed. It then looks for other files to infect, thereby spreading itself throughout the system or network. The replication process is similar to biological viruses, which is why the malware is also termed as a 'virus'. There are various types of viruses, including those that can corrupt data, hijack system resources, or allow remote control by unauthorized users.