What type of malware masquerades as a harmless file while delivering a malicious payload?

A Trojan is a type of malware that disguises itself as a legitimate or harmless file to trick users into executing it. Unlike viruses or worms, which can replicate themselves, Trojans do not self-replicate. Instead, they often arrive in the guise of software that appears useful or necessary, such as games, video players, or other applications. Once the user unknowingly installs the Trojan, it can deliver various malicious payloads, such as stealing sensitive information, creating backdoors for remote access, or downloading additional malware.

The characteristics that define Trojans make them particularly dangerous, as users often feel safe interacting with them, believing they are using a legitimate program. This kind of deception relies on social engineering tactics to effectively compromise the user's system, which is why understanding how Trojans operate is crucial in security practices.