Ace the 2025 OCR GCSE Computer Science Challenge – Code Your Way to Success!

The correct answer is Trojan Horse, which is a type of malware that disguises itself as a legitimate program or file in order to mislead users into downloading or executing it. The term is derived from the ancient Greek story where the Greeks used a deceptive wooden horse to infiltrate the city of Troy. In the context of malware, a Trojan may appear harmless or useful, such as a game or a utility, but once executed, it can perform malicious actions such as stealing data, installing additional malware, or creating backdoors for hackers.

The nature of a Trojan Horse lies in its ability to convince users that it is something benign. This deceptive practice is essential for its success, as users are often the first line of defense against malware; if they are tricked into opening the Trojan, the malware can execute its harmful actions undetected.

In contrast, other types of malware do not primarily rely on disguise. Adware generally displays unwanted advertisements and is often transparent about its purpose. Ransomware encrypts files and demands payment, making its intentions clear from the outset. Worms are self-replicating programs that spread across networks, typically without needing user interaction to propagate, which also makes their intentions obvious. Thus, the disguising nature of a Trojan