What type of malware disguises itself as legitimate software?

The type of malware that disguises itself as legitimate software is accurately identified as a Trojan horse. This form of malware is designed to trick users into downloading and installing it by masquerading as a trustworthy application or file. Once installed, a Trojan horse can perform a variety of malicious actions, such as stealing data, giving unauthorized access to attackers, or installing additional malware.

Trojan horses stand out because they do not replicate themselves like worms or viruses; instead, they rely on social engineering to entice users to activate them. This often involves impersonating useful applications, updates, or even legitimate software from reputable sources, which is why they can be particularly dangerous.

In contrast, spyware is designed primarily to gather information from a user's computer without their consent, often tracking browsing habits and personal data. Worms are a type of malware that spread independently across networks and devices, exploiting vulnerabilities to replicate themselves. Ransomware, on the other hand, encrypts a user’s files and demands payment for the decryption key, focusing on financial gain through extortion rather than camouflage as legitimate software.