What type of malware is designed to create a secret backdoor into your system?

The correct answer, a Trojan horse, refers to a type of malware that disguises itself as legitimate software or files to trick users into executing it. Once activated, a Trojan horse can create a backdoor, which is a method of bypassing normal authentication or encryption in a computer system, allowing unauthorized access. This backdoor enables the attacker to control the system remotely, exfiltrate data, or install additional malicious software, all while being hidden from the user and traditional security measures.

Ransomware, on the other hand, is designed to encrypt files on a victim's computer and demand payment for their decryption. It does not specifically focus on creating backdoors but rather on locking users out of their data. Spyware functions by gathering information about a user without their consent and can monitor their activities but does not typically create a backdoor for remote access. Adware primarily aims to deliver advertisements and is often bundled with free software, rather than focusing on creating backdoors or unauthorized access.