How does a virus differ from a worm in cybersecurity?

The distinction between a virus and a worm is fundamental in cybersecurity, and the correct choice highlights this difference effectively. A virus is a type of malware that requires a host file to execute and replicate; it attaches itself to programs or files and cannot spread on its own. This dependency means that a virus needs user interaction to propagate, such as downloading or running an infected file.

In contrast, a worm is designed to replicate and spread independently without the need for a host file or user action. Worms can exploit vulnerabilities in networks to spread from one device to another automatically. This self-replication capability allows worms to propagate more rapidly and broadly than viruses.

The other answers provided do not capture this distinction as succinctly or accurately. For instance, suggesting that a virus replicates independently misrepresents how a virus functions. Additionally, indicating that a worm attaches to a host file or uses email specifically to propagate does not clarify the fundamental difference between their propagation mechanisms when compared to the correct choice.