What is malware that appears legitimate but executes malicious code called?

• A. Virus
• B. Ransomware
• C. Trojan horse
• D. Spyware

Answer: (C)

Malware that appears legitimate but executes malicious code is referred to as a Trojan horse. This type of malware is designed to deceive users by masquerading as a trustworthy application or file. Users may be tricked into downloading or running the Trojan, believing it serves a benign purpose, when in fact, it can compromise the system and allow unauthorized access, steal data, or cause harm.

The essence of a Trojan horse is its ability to gain the user's trust, making it different from other forms of malware like viruses or ransomware, which typically have more direct destructive capabilities or exploit vulnerabilities without any pretense of legitimacy. Trojan horses can vary widely in terms of the malicious actions they perform, but their common trait is the disguise they wear, which is critical in their successful execution.