Which of the following describes a Trojan horse in cybersecurity?

A Trojan horse in cybersecurity refers to a type of malicious software that disguises itself as legitimate software, tricking users into installing it. The correct description highlights that a Trojan does not self-replicate like a virus; rather, it operates under the premise of providing some sort of functionality while actually causing harm, such as data loss or unauthorized access to systems.

The key aspect of a Trojan horse is that it often appears harmless or beneficial, leading users to unwittingly execute it. Upon activation, it can perform unwanted actions such as corrupting files, stealing sensitive information, or allowing unauthorized access to the system. Because it does not replicate itself, it differentiates itself from self-replicating viruses, and its primary goal is not necessarily to encrypt user data (as in ransomware) but to facilitate some form of exploitation or data loss.

This understanding reinforces the concept that while Trojan horses can indeed be involved in damaging activities, their method of operation is distinct from other types of malware.