# Computer Worm > **Machine-Evolution Nexus:** [[articles/Digital Darwinism and the Invisible World of Machine Evolution|Digital Darwinism and the Invisible World of Machine Evolution]] places this node within the history and governance of substrate-independent evolution. **Domain:** Cybersecurity / Self-Replication **Doc Type:** Canonical Wiki Node **Maturity:** Developed ## Definition A computer worm is self-propagating software that spreads across systems or networks without attaching to a host file. ## Nexus Context Worms demonstrate that digital replication can operate across real infrastructure and create effects beyond designer intent. The Morris Worm is the canonical historical case. ## Evidence Boundary Worm propagation is not automatically Darwinian evolution; inherited variants and differential lineage success must be observed. Malware terminology does not imply agency. ## Relationships [[wiki/Morris Worm|Morris Worm]], [[wiki/Self-Replicating Program|Self-Replicating Program]], [[wiki/Virus|Virus]], [[wiki/Internet|Internet]] ## Sources / Provenance - FBI Morris Worm history; cybersecurity definitions.