The type of malware designed to replicate itself across systems is known as a worm. Unlike viruses, which require a host file to spread, worms can propagate independently over networks by exploiting vulnerabilities in software or operating systems. Once a worm infects a system, it can consume bandwidth, deploy malicious payloads, or facilitate unauthorized access. Their self-replicating nature poses significant threats to network security, making timely detection and prevention crucial to protect organizational data and resources.