Which type of malware is designed to gain unauthorized access to computer systems?

• A. Ransomware
• B. Spyware
• C. Worms
• D. Trojan horses

Answer: (B)

The correct answer is spyware, which is a type of malware specifically designed to gather information about a user or organization without their knowledge or consent. It operates discreetly in the background and often collects sensitive data such as usernames, passwords, and browsing habits. By using this information, spyware can gain unauthorized access to systems and resources, compromising privacy and security.

In contrast, ransomware primarily seeks to encrypt a user’s files and demand payment for decryption, focusing on extortion rather than unauthorized access. Worms are self-replicating malware that can spread across networks and systems but typically do not focus on data collection for unauthorized access. Trojan horses disguise themselves as legitimate software to trick users into installing them; however, they may not always be focused on unauthorized access specifically and can serve various malicious purposes. Each type of malware has its own methods and objectives, but when it comes to unauthorized access through data collection and monitoring, spyware is the most relevant.