Which type of malware is often delivered through phishing emails pretending to be legitimate software?

The Trojan Horse is a type of malware that is often disguised as legitimate software to trick users into downloading and executing it. This method is frequently employed in phishing attacks, where malicious emails appear to come from trusted sources and contain links or attachments that claim to be useful software. Once the user downloads and runs the file, the Trojan can infiltrate the system, enabling unauthorized access or causing damage.

This distinction is crucial as it highlights the deceptive nature of a Trojan Horse. Unlike worms, which can self-replicate and spread through networks independently, or adware, which primarily serves to show unwanted advertisements, the Trojan relies on user interaction to be activated. Rootkits also differ since they are designed to hide certain elements of the operating system and maintain persistent access, rather than tricking users into executing them.

Understanding how Trojans operate emphasizes the importance of vigilance against phishing attempts and the need to verify software sources before installation.