Which of the following is a common characteristic of malware?

Malware, short for malicious software, is characterized by its ability to replicate and spread across systems. This means that once a device becomes infected with malware, it can often propagate to other connected devices, either through networks, removable media, or other means. This self-replicating feature is what makes malware particularly dangerous, as it can lead to widespread infection and compromise not just a single system, but an entire network.

The ability to replicate and spread is a fundamental trait of many types of malware, including viruses and worms. Viruses attach themselves to legitimate programs or files and can spread when those programs are executed or shared. Worms, on the other hand, do not require a host program and can replicate independently across networks, leading to rapid dissemination.

Other characteristics mentioned, such as enhancing performance, being easily identifiable, or requiring physical access, do not align with the inherent nature of malware. In fact, malware typically degrades system performance, is often designed to operate stealthily to avoid detection, and can sometimes be executed remotely, not necessarily requiring physical access for an infection. These attributes underscore the importance of maintaining robust cybersecurity measures to prevent and mitigate malware threats.