What form of malware allows unauthorized permissions on a system or initiates an unauthorized task?

The correct answer is a backdoor, which refers to a method that allows unauthorized access to a system without the user's knowledge. Backdoors can be installed by cybercriminals to bypass normal authentication processes, thereby granting them control over the system and enabling them to execute unauthorized tasks.

Unlike other forms of malware, a backdoor specifically provides a way to access and manipulate a system undetected, which is why it is significant in the context of security breaches. It can be installed intentionally by attackers, or it can result from software vulnerabilities.

For instance, a Trojan is a type of malware that disguises itself as a legitimate program to trick users into executing it; however, once installed, it may not specifically create a backdoor but can have harmful effects like stealing data or installing additional malware. Viruses require user intervention to spread and typically attach themselves to clean files, making their nature different from backdoors. Adware, while it may introduce unwanted advertisements and sometimes invade user privacy, does not generally provide unauthorized access to a system or the capability to execute tasks without permission.

Ultimately, understanding the function of backdoors is crucial for cybersecurity, as they directly compromise the integrity of systems by granting unauthorized access.