Trojan

Trojan

Developer(s)	Various
Repository	{{URL|example.com|optional display text}}
Written in	Various
Engine
Operating system	Cross-platform
Type	Malware
License	Proprietary

A Trojan horse, or simply Trojan, is a type of malware that is often disguised as legitimate software. Trojans can be employed by cyber-thieves and hackers trying to gain access to users' systems. Users are typically tricked by some form of social engineering into loading and executing Trojans on their systems.

Overview

The term "Trojan horse" is derived from the ancient Greek story of the deceptive wooden horse that led to the fall of the city of Troy. In computing, a Trojan horse is a malicious program that misleads users of its true intent. Unlike computer viruses and worms, Trojans do not replicate themselves but can be just as destructive.

Functionality

Trojans are designed to damage, disrupt, steal, or in general inflict some other harmful action on your data or network. They can:

• Provide a backdoor for unauthorized access to the infected computer.
• Steal sensitive data such as passwords, credit card information, and personal identity details.
• Install additional malware, such as ransomware or spyware.
• Use the infected computer to launch denial-of-service attacks.

Types of Trojans

There are several types of Trojans, each with its own purpose:

• Backdoor Trojans: These create a backdoor on your system for malicious users to access and control your computer.
• Downloader Trojans: These download and install new versions of malicious programs onto your computer.
• Infostealer Trojans: These are designed to steal information from the infected computer.
• Remote Access Trojans (RATs): These provide the attacker with full control over the infected computer.

Detection and Prevention

Detecting Trojans can be challenging, as they are often designed to avoid detection by antivirus software. However, there are several strategies to prevent Trojan infections:

• Use reputable antivirus software: Ensure it is updated regularly to detect the latest threats.
• Be cautious with email attachments: Do not open attachments from unknown sources.
• Download software from trusted sources: Avoid downloading software from unverified websites.
• Keep your operating system and software updated: Regular updates can patch vulnerabilities that Trojans exploit.

History

The concept of a Trojan horse in computing dates back to the early days of the internet. One of the first known Trojans was the AIDS Trojan, also known as the "PC Cyborg Trojan," which was distributed on floppy disks in 1989.

Also see

• Malware
• Computer virus
• Spyware
• Ransomware
• Denial-of-service attack