What is the primary objective of a worm in terms of computer systems?

The primary objective of a worm in terms of computer systems is to replicate itself and spread to other systems. Worms are a type of malicious software that are designed specifically to exploit vulnerabilities in networks or systems to propagate themselves without any user intervention. Once a worm infects a system, it can create copies of itself and move across networks, often leading to widespread infections.

The self-replicating nature of worms is particularly dangerous because it can result in significant bandwidth consumption and can potentially open doors for other types of attacks. Unlike viruses, worms do not require an attachment to a host program and can spread independently, making them a significant threat to network security. Understanding this behavior is crucial for individuals and organizations to strengthen their defenses against such cyber threats.