UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

A computer virus is designed to insert its code into other executable files so that it runs whenever those hosts are executed. It can replicate and spread to additional files and systems, potentially causing damage or disruption. Viruses often rely on user actions such as sharing infected files to propagate. Thus, the malware described in the question is a virus.

Option A:
Option A, spyware, secretly gathers user information but does not primarily replicate by attaching to host files in the classic virus manner.

Option B:
Option B, adware, displays unwanted advertisements and may track browsing behaviour, but replication through host file infection is not its defining feature.

Option C:
Option C, rootkit, is a tool that hides the presence of malicious activity by modifying system components and is not simply a self replicating host file infector.

Option D:
Option D is correct because the standard definition of a computer virus emphasises its attachment to host programs and replication when those programs are executed.