How do viruses differ from worms in network security?

The correct answer clarifies a fundamental distinction in how viruses and worms propagate in network security. Worms are capable of self-replicating and spreading across networks without any human intervention, which makes them particularly dangerous as they can proliferate quickly and abundantly. This allows them to travel across vulnerable systems or networks without requiring any action from a user, such as opening an email attachment or downloading a file.

In contrast, viruses typically require some form of user action to activate and spread. For example, a user might need to execute a program or open a file that contains the virus. Once activated by the user, viruses replicate themselves and can spread to other files or systems, but their initial transmission hinges on user interaction.

Understanding this key difference helps emphasize the varying threat models associated with each type of malicious software. Worms, due to their autonomous nature, can cause widespread damage rapidly, while viruses rely on social engineering or specific actions to be executed and propagated.