If malware is exploiting unsecured network services to spread, what type of malware is most likely involved?

The type of malware that is most likely involved when exploiting unsecured network services to spread is a worm. Worms are designed specifically to replicate themselves and transmit from one computer to another across a network without any user intervention. Unlike viruses, which require a host file to propagate, worms take advantage of vulnerabilities in network services, allowing them to move rapidly and exploit multiple systems simultaneously.

Worms can enter a network through various unsecured services, such as open ports, and they often employ techniques to find and compromise other devices connected to the same network. This capability to spread independently makes worms particularly dangerous in environments where network security is lax.

While ransomware, spyware, and viruses involve compromising systems and can cause harm, their propagation mechanisms differ significantly. Ransomware typically encrypts data and demands payment to unlock it, while spyware is used primarily for surveillance and collecting information without the user’s knowledge. Viruses need to attach themselves to other executable files, requiring a host to operate, which limits their ability to spread as freely as worms do through unsecured services.