Also known as the Trojan Horse, the Trojan is one of the most used threats in the cyber world. Through it, the cybercriminal aims to create points of vulnerability or access for the invasion of different types of malicious software. To understand the impact that this threat represents, Trojan-PSW blocks , software created exclusively to steal employees' passwords to gain access to a company's network or internet banking, grew by 143% in Brazil in 2022.
Just as it is said in Greek mythology that during a war the Trojans received a wooden horse full of soldiers hidden inside, the Trojan is also a threat that is hidden inside something legitimate . Due to the risks that this type of cyber scam can pose to companies and users, it is essential to understand how it works and how to combat this trap.
To help you, we have prepared complete content with everything you need to know about the Trojan , its main aspects and ways to combat it.
Trojan: what it is and how it works
In a simplified way, the Trojan consists of a strategy used by cybercriminals to cause different types of software and threats to be delivered to users and encourage the application of numerous scams , such as theft of information and financial data, data leaks, file hijacking , between others.
It is important to know how to differentiate Trojans from adware and other potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). This type of file usually comes within a software package as a partnership between developers, with the aim of making the user receive certain advertisements for monetization. Do you know what a Potentially Unwanted Program is? Find out here:
Although annoying, in most cases these problems do not pose a major risk to the user. Despite using the same distribution vector, this type of program is not usually disguised , like what happens with trojans.
The installation of Trojans can happen in many ways, and can look like a variety of files, ranging from software to advertisements, they can also be disguised as legitimate programs and applications that confuse users . Furthermore, some behaviors may favor the installation of this type of software, such as:
- By downloading cracked applications: many users seek illegal free copies of software that is commonly paid for. However, cracked software can hide trojans and cause great harm to the user . The same goes for Activation Key generators.
- Downloading unknown free programs: screensavers, wallpaper, free games... many of these programs and files can be a disguise for a dangerous Trojan.
- Downloading files from an untrustworthy website: when downloading documents and files from untrustworthy websites, the risk is even greater. By receiving and opening infected attachments, you can install malware and viruses without realizing it. Malicious emails are sent with infected attachments or links that, when opened, install a program without the user's authorization, creating a major vulnerability.
- Through access to suspicious websites: this type of infection is very common on websites that promise to download and stream videos and series. They often make opening this type of file conditional on downloading a related program, which is usually infected and causes many problems for your device.
Types of Trojan
As it is a very broad scam, there are different types of Trojans that can be used according to the cybercriminal's malicious intentions. See below some of the harm your device :
Backdoor Trojan
This is one of the most simplified types of Trojans, and very dangerous for users. This threat allows your computer to be infected by different types of malware and even transformed into botnets, which are zombie computers used in large-scale attacks, such as DDoS attacks . It also allows some commands and codes to be executed remotely on the device or monitor your online activity.
Rootkit
The purpose of this type of Trojan is to hide some activities or objects within the device system. It acts as a disguise mechanism to prevent other malicious programs from being detected inside machines, favoring the execution of this file for a longer period of time.
Banking Trojans
This type of Trojan is one of the most widespread in the digital world, especially after the growth and popularization of the use of online banks. This type of threat is used for cybercriminals to illegitimately obtain access credentials to user bank accounts. This type of threat can use phishing techniques, directing users to fake pages where credentials are entered and sent to the criminal.
DDoS Trojan
One of the most worrying threats for companies is DDoS attacks (distributed denial of service attack). Through this attack, cybercriminals are able to make a company's websites and services unavailable , causing immense damage to the profitability and image of the business in the market. DDoS Trojans install themselves on the computer without the user noticing, providing access for cybercriminals to carry out this scam against companies.
Fake antivirus Trojan
This threat is also extremely common on the internet and has claimed thousands of victims around the world. This threat is particularly dangerous since the user thinks he is protecting his computer against viruses and malware and in fact, this application does not protect against anything . On the contrary: in addition to not protecting the machine where it is installed, it also requests the payment of a monthly fee from the user, who, by providing payment data, is forwarding confidential information to the criminal.
What damage can this threat cause?
As we have seen, Trojans can be applied in different ways, and can affect devices of all types, such as computers, automated machines, mobile devices (such as cell phones, tablets, among others). For this reason, it is important to have security tools that help maintain the digital security of all your devices.
Because it contains a wide range of malicious software, the Trojan can cause immeasurable losses to the company, such as:
Data loss
Data loss is not just a hindrance to a business's routine. Much information essential for the continuity of certain businesses is stored on your devices, and the loss of this data can interrupt activities and harm profitability .
To avoid this type of problem, in addition to security software and resources aimed at protecting devices, it is essential to have a backup policy that helps maintain a backup copy of everything stored.
Information leak
Another very dangerous problem that can be caused by the trojan is information leakage . Mainly after the General Data Protection Law, the concern about leakage of confidential data gained a priority level in the market.
It is the company's responsibility to ensure that the information collected and stored remains secure, protecting the identity and integrity of all its customers, partners, employees and suppliers. Leaking information can result in fines and considerably harm the company's image.
Device damage
Some types of Trojans can harm the proper functioning of devices used by the company. Once damaged, it is necessary to bear the costs of the necessary maintenance to restore the functioning of these machines .
Furthermore, the company suffers from the interruption or drop in productivity, factors that directly reflect on the profitability of the business and its growth. The damage caused by Trojans can be varied, and the damage to devices (often irreversible) generates costs for the business .
How your company can protect itself: essential tips
It is important to remember that Trojan horses only have this name because they need the user's authorization to run. This means that certain behaviors in the online environment can be harmful to the business .
In this sense, it is essential that all users remain aware of everything that is accessed, installed and opened on these computers. To maintain data security and protect your business, it is important to have security tools such as antivirus and firewalls that help monitor suspicious activity on your computer.
Internet access control is also essential for companies that want to avoid this type of problem. With the help of Lumiun solutions, such as Lumiun DNS and Lumiun Box , you can establish a Internet Usage Policy and ensure that your employees stay out of trouble. It is also important to adopt some measures when using the internet within the business, such as:
- Be very careful when opening attachments received from suspicious emails, checking the sender, whether the text does not contain any suspicious information and whether it is really necessary to open this document.
- Keep all security software updated according to developer guidance. These updates serve to keep these programs up to date with the main cyber threats on the market.
- Be careful with links found in suspicious emails and websites, as these links are often deployed as traps to make users install programs inadvertently.
- Do not download pirated software or from dubious sources. In the case of computers, it is important that these programs undergo an antivirus check before they are properly installed . In the case of cell phones and other mobile devices, it is essential to only use the application store corresponding to the operating system.
- Check file extensions to identify whether the received file is an image, document or executable file.
- Whenever possible, use two-factor authentication to increase security when accessing information.
- Maintain a backup routine to create a backup copy of everything stored by your company.
The internet, although essential, is an environment full of risks and threats . It is important that the company is able to establish measures and protocols that keep this security up to date. Discover Lumiun Box and Lumiun DNS and discover everything these tools can do to help keep your data safe and your employees out of trouble in the digital world.
Until later!
