Which type of malware disguises itself as a legitimate software?

A Trojan is a type of malware that disguises itself as legitimate software to trick users into installing it. Unlike viruses or worms, which can replicate themselves and spread to other systems, Trojans rely on user interaction for installation. Once executed, they can perform a variety of malicious activities, such as stealing personal information, creating backdoors for unauthorized access, or installing additional malware.

The nature of a Trojan makes it particularly dangerous because users are often unaware that they are compromising their systems by downloading what they believe to be a harmless or useful application. This disguise is often achieved through social engineering tactics, where attackers create false websites, ads, or email attachments that appear safe.

Understanding the behavior of Trojans is important in the context of operating system security, as users must be vigilant about the sources of their software to prevent falling victim to these types of attacks.