20 Computer Worm Quiz Questions and Answers

1. Question: What is a computer worm?
Options:
A) A type of antivirus software
B) Self-replicating malware that spreads across networks without a host file
C) A hardware component in computers
D) A programming language
Answer: B
Explanation: A computer worm is malware that replicates itself and spreads through networks, exploiting vulnerabilities without needing to attach to an existing file or program.

2. Question: How does a computer worm primarily spread?
Options:
A) Through physical media like USB drives
B) By exploiting network vulnerabilities and email attachments
C) By infecting boot sectors of hard drives
D) Through social media posts
Answer: B
Explanation: Worms spread by taking advantage of security flaws in networked systems, often via email, file sharing, or remote access, allowing rapid propagation.

3. Question: What is the main difference between a computer worm and a virus?
Options:
A) Viruses are faster at spreading
B) Worms do not require a host file to replicate, while viruses do
C) Worms are always harmless
D) Viruses spread through networks only
Answer: B
Explanation: Unlike viruses, which attach to files or programs, worms are standalone and can spread independently across networks.

4. Question: Which of the following is a famous example of a computer worm?
Options:
A) Trojan Horse
B) Morris Worm
C) Melissa Virus
D) SQL Slammer
Answer: B
Explanation: The Morris Worm, released in 1988, was one of the first worms to gain widespread attention, causing significant disruptions on the internet.

5. Question: What can happen if a computer worm infects a system?
Options:
A) Improved system performance
B) Data theft, system crashes, or network slowdowns
C) Enhanced security features
D) Automatic software updates
Answer: B
Explanation: Worms can consume bandwidth, overload systems, steal data, or create backdoors for further attacks, leading to crashes and slowdowns.

6. Question: How can firewalls help prevent computer worm infections?
Options:
A) By blocking all incoming data
B) By monitoring and blocking suspicious network traffic
C) By encrypting files on the computer
D) By scanning for viruses only
Answer: B
Explanation: Firewalls act as a barrier that inspects traffic and blocks unauthorized or malicious connections, which can prevent worms from spreading.

7. Question: What role does patching software play in defending against worms?
Options:
A) It removes existing worms
B) It fixes vulnerabilities that worms exploit
C) It slows down network speeds
D) It increases system storage
Answer: B
Explanation: Regular software updates and patches close security holes that worms use to infiltrate and propagate through systems.

8. Question: Can computer worms spread without user interaction?
Options:
A) No, they always require user action
B) Yes, they can exploit automated processes
C) Only on mobile devices
D) Only through email
Answer: B
Explanation: Worms are designed to spread autonomously by exploiting vulnerabilities in software or networks, often without any user involvement.

9. Question: What is a common vector for worm propagation in modern networks?
Options:
A) Printed documents
B) Unpatched web servers
C) Physical keyboards
D) Power supplies
Answer: B
Explanation: Worms often target unpatched web servers and applications, using exploits like buffer overflows to gain access and spread.

10. Question: Why are computer worms particularly dangerous in corporate networks?
Options:
A) They improve data sharing
B) They can quickly infect multiple connected devices, causing widespread damage
C) They are easy to detect
D) They only affect individual users
Answer: B
Explanation: In corporate settings, worms can rapidly move across interconnected systems, leading to data breaches, downtime, and financial losses.

11. Question: What type of damage might a worm cause to a network’s performance?
Options:
A) Increased speed
B) Denial of service by consuming resources
C) Better encryption
D) Automatic backups
Answer: B
Explanation: Worms replicate and send data excessively, overwhelming network resources and causing slowdowns or denial-of-service conditions.

12. Question: How do antivirus programs detect computer worms?
Options:
A) By checking hardware compatibility
B) Through signature-based detection and behavioral analysis
C) By monitoring user behavior
D) By increasing CPU usage
Answer: B
Explanation: Antivirus software uses signatures of known worms and monitors for suspicious behaviors, such as unusual network activity, to detect and block them.

13. Question: Is it possible for a worm to evolve or mutate like some viruses?
Options:
A) No, worms are static
B) Yes, through techniques like polymorphism
C) Only in isolated systems
D) Worms do not evolve
Answer: B
Explanation: Some advanced worms use polymorphic code to change their form, making them harder to detect and allowing them to evolve during propagation.

14. Question: What is the primary goal of most computer worms?
Options:
A) To provide system updates
B) To spread rapidly and potentially deliver payloads like data theft or further malware
C) To enhance user privacy
D) To optimize internet speeds
Answer: B
Explanation: Worms are designed to propagate quickly and often carry additional malicious payloads, such as installing backdoors or stealing information.

15. Question: Can worms be used for ethical purposes, like in penetration testing?
Options:
A) Yes, with proper authorization
B) No, they are always malicious
C) Only in educational settings
D) They are illegal everywhere
Answer: A
Explanation: In controlled environments, worm-like tools can be used in ethical hacking or penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities, but this requires consent.

16. Question: What should users do immediately after detecting a worm infection?
Options:
A) Ignore it
B) Disconnect from the network and run antivirus scans
C) Share files with others
D) Restart the computer repeatedly
Answer: B
Explanation: Disconnecting from the network prevents further spread, while antivirus scans can detect and remove the worm effectively.

17. Question: How do worms typically enter a system through email?
Options:
A) By attaching as a safe file
B) Through malicious links or attachments that exploit vulnerabilities
C) By encrypting the email
D) Through sender’s IP address
Answer: B
Explanation: Worms often disguise themselves in emails as links or attachments that, when opened, exploit system flaws to infect and spread.

18. Question: What makes worms different from bots in a botnet?
Options:
A) Worms are not part of botnets
B) Worms self-replicate, while bots are controlled remotely after infection
C) Bots spread faster
D) Worms are always detected first
Answer: B
Explanation: Worms focus on autonomous replication, whereas bots in a botnet are infected devices controlled by a command center for coordinated attacks.

19. Question: Can regular backups prevent data loss from a worm attack?
Options:
A) No, backups are ineffective
B) Yes, but only if backups are stored offline and restored after removal
C) Backups speed up infections
D) Worms do not cause data loss
Answer: B
Explanation: Offline backups allow data recovery after a worm is removed, as long as the backups were made before the infection and are not overwritten.

20. Question: What is the best long-term strategy to protect against computer worms?
Options:
A) Relying solely on antivirus software
B) Implementing multi-layered security, including updates, firewalls, and user education
C) Disconnecting from the internet permanently
D) Using free public Wi-Fi
Answer: B
Explanation: A comprehensive approach with regular updates, firewalls, intrusion detection, and educating users on safe practices provides the strongest defense against worms.