Concept:
A Trojan horse (or simply Trojan) is a type of malware that conceals its malicious intent by masquerading as a legitimate, harmless program, such as a utility or game.
Step 1: Characteristics of a Trojan:
- Unlike computer viruses, a Trojan does not insert its code into other executable files.
- Unlike computer worms, a Trojan cannot replicate itself autonomously over a network.
- It spreads primarily through social engineering, where users are tricked into downloading and executing it.
Once installed, it can delete files, steal credentials, open backdoors, or spy on the system.
Step 2: Evaluating the Options:
- Statement 1 is false because a Trojan is an established category of malware.
- Statement 2 is true because Trojans notably lack self-replication and file-infection capabilities.
- Statement 3 is false because Trojans frequently corrupt, alter, or steal critical user files.
- Statement 4 is false because Trojans rely specifically on user interaction (downloading and running the deceptive file) to spread.
Final Answer:
The accurate statement is that a Trojan does not self-replicate or infect other files. Thus, option (B) is correct.