What is the term for malicious code that hides inside a seemingly harmless program or data and can later damage a system?

What is the term for malicious code that hides inside a seemingly harmless program or data and can later damage a system?

• A. Virus
• B. Adware
• C. Worm
• D. Trojan

Answer: (D)

A Trojan is a type of malware that hides inside a seemingly harmless program or file and waits to trigger its harmful payload when you run it or open the data. It’s designed to deceive by appearing legitimate, so it can install backdoors, steal information, or cause damage once activated. Unlike viruses or worms, a Trojan doesn’t spread by itself — it relies on you or a vulnerability to get it onto a system. It’s not adware, which mainly displays ads; a Trojan’s main goal is to covertly achieve harm or data theft. Distribution methods often include disguised installers, fake updates, or phishing attachments that entice you to run the malicious file.

A Trojan is a type of malware that hides inside a seemingly harmless program or file and waits to trigger its harmful payload when you run it or open the data. It’s designed to deceive by appearing legitimate, so it can install backdoors, steal information, or cause damage once activated. Unlike viruses or worms, a Trojan doesn’t spread by itself — it relies on you or a vulnerability to get it onto a system. It’s not adware, which mainly displays ads; a Trojan’s main goal is to covertly achieve harm or data theft. Distribution methods often include disguised installers, fake updates, or phishing attachments that entice you to run the malicious file.