Does a virus need a carrier in order to propagate itself?

Viruses are designed to infect host systems and cannot replicate on their own. They require a carrier, typically a host machine, to execute their malicious code and facilitate their spread. The mechanism involves attaching themselves to legitimate software, documents, or other types of files, which serve as vehicles for propagation. Once a virus successfully infiltrates a host, it can then use that system to reproduce itself and infect other systems, often through methods like file sharing or network connections.

This need for a carrier is a fundamental characteristic of computer viruses, differentiating them from other malicious entities that might not require a host to spread. Without a carrier, a virus cannot effectively execute its intended functions, as it relies on the compromised system to enable its replication and eventually lead to further infections in other systems. Therefore, the assertion that a virus always requires a carrier aligns perfectly with the established understanding of how viruses function in the realm of network security.