What distinguishes a persistent cookie?

A persistent cookie is defined by its ability to remain on a user's device after the browser is closed, allowing it to be accessed in future sessions. This characteristic enables websites to remember user preferences, login information, and other customizations, which enhances user experience across visits.

In contrast, session cookies (as noted in the first option) reside in temporary memory and are deleted once the browser is closed. The third option regarding creation by malicious software is not applicable, as persistent cookies can be legitimate and are often used beneficially by websites. The fourth option suggests that persistent cookies cannot be used for tracking, which is not accurate; in fact, they can facilitate tracking behavior over time, as they store user data for repeated access.

Thus, the defining hallmark of a persistent cookie is its storage on the hard drive, which distinguishes it from session-based alternatives.