Which of the following is a type of malicious software (malware) that disguises itself as legitimate software or appears to be harmless, but once installed on a device, it performs malicious actions ?

The correct answer is Trojan.

Key Points

• A Trojan, also known as a Trojan horse, is a type of malicious software (malware) that pretends to be legitimate or harmless to deceive users into installing it.
• Unlike viruses, Trojans do not replicate themselves but rely on user actions to be installed.
• Once installed, Trojans can perform harmful actions such as stealing sensitive information, providing unauthorized access to hackers, or corrupting files.
• Trojans often disguise themselves as useful applications, games, or system updates to trick users into downloading and running them.
• Common signs of a Trojan infection include unusual system behavior, slow performance, unauthorized access attempts, or pop-up advertisements.

Additional Information

• To protect against Trojans, users should only download software from trusted sources and avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments.
• Installing antivirus software and keeping it updated can help detect and remove Trojans from your system.
• Trojans can be used by cybercriminals to create backdoors, allowing them to control infected devices remotely.
• Examples of well-known Trojans include Zeus, Emotet, and Remote Access Trojans (RATs).
• Educating users about cybersecurity best practices is crucial to preventing Trojan infections.