The type of malware designed to replicate itself and spread to other devices is known as a worm. Unlike viruses, worms do not require a host application to propagate; they can replicate independently across networks and systems. They often exploit security vulnerabilities in software or networks to spread. This behavior can lead to significant network congestion and can compromise the security of infected devices, making worms particularly dangerous in cybersecurity contexts. Their capacity for self-replication often results in widespread damage before adequate defenses can be implemented.