Trojan Definition
A Trojan, also known as a Trojan horse, in the realm of cybersecurity is an illicit program that is concealed as or embedded within legitimate software. It is frequently employed by cybercriminals and hackers bent on manipulating and gaining unauthorized access to a user’s system. The term originated from the “Trojan horse” anecdote in Greek mythology, wherein a large wooden horse containing soldiers was presented as a gift, allowing them to infiltrate the city of Troy stealthily.
Trojan Key Points
- Trojans are harmful pieces of software that appear legitimate or have managed to blend in with legitimate software.
- Trojans can be used to gain unauthorized access to a user’s system.
- Unlike computer viruses, Trojans don’t duplicate themselves but pave the way for cybercriminals to manipulate and steal your data.
- They are often used to create a backdoor in your security to enable the hacker to access your system.
What is a Trojan?
Considered one of the most dangerous forms of malware, a Trojan is a type of software or file that seems safe and useful at first glance. Normal legal software can be manipulated by cybercriminals to hide Trojans. The aim of a Trojan is to trick the user into running it willingly, unaware that they are simultaneously launching hidden, malicious code.
Where Are Trojans Used and Who Uses Them?
Trojans are widely used across the internet in a variety of contexts. Cybercriminals and hackers use them for malicious intentions such as stealing personal data, controlling the victim’s machine, interrupting network service, or serving ransomware. However, they also may be utilized in penetration testing and cybersecurity research.
Why Are Trojans Used?
The objective of using a Trojan is to allow hackers to gain control over the victim’s system without their consent or knowledge. With this control, they can steal sensitive information, modify system settings, install more malware, observe the user’s actions, exploit the computer resources for malicious tasks, or even crash the system.
When Can a Trojan be Harmful?
A Trojan becomes harmful when the user interacts with it, considering it to be a legitimate file or software. This interaction can be in the form of downloading software from an untrusted source, opening an email attachment from an unknown sender, or clicking on a deceiving link.
How Can One Protect Against a Trojan?
Safeguarding oneself from Trojans primarily involves cautious online behaviour. Users should avoid downloading programs or clicking on links from untrusted sources, and they should always keep their system updated. Employing a reliable antivirus or cybersecurity software solution with real-time protection can also help detect and remove Trojans before they can cause damage. Regular backups of essential data can also aid in recovery in case of a successful Trojan attack.
