What is a Trojan program?

A Trojan program is defined as a type of malicious software that pretends to be something beneficial or useful in order to deceive users. It typically tricks individuals into installing it on their systems by masquerading as legitimate software or applications. Once installed, Trojans can carry out a variety of harmful actions, such as stealing personal information, creating backdoors for attackers to access the system, or installing additional malware.

This definition highlights the key characteristics that distinguish Trojans from other forms of software. Unlike a program that enhances system performance or security software designed to protect systems, Trojans intentionally mislead users and can cause significant damage. The identifying feature is their deceptive nature; they exploit users' trust to infiltrate systems without raising immediate suspicion.

Understanding what constitutes a Trojan is crucial for maintaining cybersecurity awareness and protecting against potential threats.