The type of malware designed to replicate itself and spread to other systems is known as worms. Unlike viruses, which require a host file to propagate, worms are standalone programs that can exploit network vulnerabilities to spread across devices. They often are designed to consume bandwidth and potentially create backdoors for attackers. Due to their ability to spread without user intervention, worms can cause widespread system malfunctions and data breaches. Protection against worms requires robust cybersecurity protocols, including firewalls and regular software updates.