CompTIA ITF+ Practice Test: Prep Guide & Practice Questions

The type of malware that pretends to be legitimate software is known as a Trojan horse. This is because Trojan horses are designed to deceive users by masquerading as a trustworthy application or file. Cybercriminals create these malicious programs to trick users into installing them on their devices, often resulting in unauthorized access, data theft, or additional malware installation without the user’s knowledge.

Unlike other forms of malware, such as spyware, which gathers personal information, or adware, which displays unwanted advertisements, Trojan horses are specifically crafted to lure users in by appearing harmless or beneficial. They exploit the user's trust, making it crucial for individuals to be cautious about downloading and installing software from unknown or unverified sources. This deceptive nature is what sets Trojan horses apart from other types of malware.