What characterizes a computer worm?

A computer worm is characterized by its ability to self-replicate and spread through networks without needing to attach itself to a host program. This means that once a worm finds a vulnerability in a network or computer system, it can copy itself and send additional copies to other systems, often exploiting security flaws to propagate itself. This self-replication is what differentiates worms from other types of malware, such as viruses, which require a host program to spread. Understanding this characteristic is crucial, especially in cybersecurity, where recognizing the behavior of worms can help in implementing defenses against them.