Does a worm typically corrupt or modify files?

A worm is a type of malware that is designed to replicate itself and spread across networks without the need for human intervention. Unlike other forms of malware, such as viruses or Trojans, worms do not typically corrupt or modify files on the infected system. Instead, their primary function is to exploit vulnerabilities in the operating system or applications to propagate themselves to other devices. This means that while worms can cause significant damage to networks and systems by causing congestion or exploiting vulnerabilities, they are not aimed at altering or corrupting the files themselves.

The focus of a worm is on self-replication and network traversal, leading to a higher degree of propagation, rather than file corruption. This distinguishes them from other types of malware that may be specifically designed to damage files or steal information. Understanding this key characteristic of worms helps in implementing appropriate security measures to protect against them.