A Trojan, short for “Trojan horse,” is a type of malicious software or malware that disguises itself as a legitimate and innocuous program or file to deceive users. Unlike viruses and worms, Trojans do not self-replicate but rely on users’ actions to execute them. Once activated, Trojans can cause a range of malicious activities, including data theft, system damage, or unauthorized access.
The name “Trojan horse” is derived from Greek mythology, where the Greeks used a massive wooden horse to infiltrate the city of Troy. Similarly, Trojans are designed to gain entry into a user’s system under false pretenses, often by concealing themselves within seemingly harmless files or software downloads. Common types of Trojans include Remote Access Trojans (RATs), which allow unauthorized access to a victim’s device, and banking Trojans, which target financial information.
Activities:Trojans can perform a variety of malicious actions, such as stealing passwords, banking credentials, or personal data; recording keystrokes; taking screenshots; creating backdoors for hackers to access a compromised system; or launching other types of malware.
Distribution: Trojans are frequently spread through deceptive methods, including email attachments, fake software downloads, or disguised as legitimate software updates. Users are often tricked into executing them, believing they are installing benign software.
Protection: Protecting against Trojans involves practicing caution when downloading and installing software, avoiding suspicious email attachments, using reputable antivirus and anti-malware tools, and keeping software and operating systems up to date. Regular system scans can help detect and remove Trojans before they cause significant harm.
Trojans are a common and persistent threat in the cybersecurity landscape, emphasizing the importance of user vigilance and robust security measures to mitigate their potential damage.