What type of malicious software appears to be legitimate but can actually cause harm to your computer or network?

Explanation

A Trojan (or Trojan Horse) is a type of malicious software that appears to be legitimate or harmless but can actually cause harm to your computer or network. Trojans are often disguised as useful software or files, tricking users into installing them. Once installed, they can open a backdoor for hackers to gain access to the system, steal information, or cause other damage. Important Key Points: 1. Trojan malware does not replicate itself like viruses but can cause significant damage by allowing unauthorized access. 2. Trojans are commonly used to steal data, gain control of systems, or install additional malware. Knowledge Booster: • Virus: A virus replicates itself and spreads to other programs or systems, causing damage by corrupting or deleting files. • Worm: A worm is a type of malware that spreads through networks, often causing disruption by consuming bandwidth, but it doesn’t disguise itself as legitimate software. • Spyware: Spyware secretly monitors user activity, but it usually doesn’t disguise itself as legitimate software like Trojans do. • Ransomware: Ransomware locks the user out of their system or files until a ransom is paid, but it’s not typically disguised as legitimate software.