What type of malicious software appears to be benign to lure users?

The type of malicious software that appears to be benign to lure users is a Trojan horse. This type of malware is designed to look like a legitimate program or file to trick users into installing it. Once the user runs the Trojan, it can perform various malicious actions, including stealing sensitive information, installing additional malware, or enabling unauthorized access to the system.

While spyware and adware also have their own malicious intent—such as tracking user behavior or displaying unwanted advertisements—they do not typically masquerade as legitimate software in the same deceptive way that a Trojan horse does. Worms, on the other hand, are self-replicating malicious programs that spread across networks without user intervention, and they do not rely on user deception to propagate.

Trojans can be particularly dangerous due to their stealthy nature; users often feel safe running the software since it presents itself as harmless or useful, which increases the likelihood of successful infection. Understanding this behavior is crucial for recognizing and protecting against such security threats.