Trojan Horse

What is a Trojan Horse?

Trojan horses are deceptive malware that poses as trustworthy programs or files. They typically deceive people into downloading and installing them by pretending to be harmless programs like games, utility tools, or even security software.

Usually, software bundles with malicious components, downloads from fraudulent websites, or email attachments are the means by which this deception takes place.

A Trojan horse releases its payload—which may have a number of harmful effects—once it has gained access to a system. These include stealing private data, such as credit card numbers and passwords, setting up backdoors that allow hackers unauthorised access, and permitting surveillance operations, such as secretly turning on the webcam, taking screenshots, or keylogging (recording keystrokes). Moreover, Trojans can download and install other malware, such as spyware or ransomware, onto the compromised system, hence escalating the security risk. In certain instances, they might also directly harm the system by erasing data or interfering with regular operations, causing users and organisations to suffer severe annoyance or financial loss.

Known Trojan Horses in Cybersecurity

  1. Zeus Trojan: Zeus, also referred to as Zbot is a banking Trojan created to steal credit card numbers and banking credentials, among other financial information. It has developed to avoid detection after being utilised in multiple phishing attempts.
  2. Emotet: Emotet was once a banking Trojan, but it has now evolved into a sophisticated malware-as-a-service (MaaS) platform that spreads ransomware and infostealers, among other malicious programs. It propagates via hacked websites and malicious email attachments.
  3. Back Orifice: A remote administration tool (RAT) called the Back Orifice enables remote computer control. Despite having valid uses for system management, it became known as a Trojan horse because of the possibility that attackers would abuse it to obtain unauthorised access to systems.
  4. DarkComet: Another RAT that became well-known among hackers was called DarkComet. Its many spying features, including file browsing, remote webcam and microphone access, and keylogging, made it an increasingly common option for hackers. It has been used in targeted attacks against individuals and organisations.
  5. Pony: Pony is a Trojan that specialises in stealing passwords from online accounts, particularly those related to social networking, email, and finance. Spam campaigns, exploit kits, and rogue websites have all been used to propagate it.

How Does Trojan Horses Work?

  1. Trojans are disguised as legitimate software, often appearing as games, utility tools, or even security software. They are distributed through various channels such as email attachments, malicious websites, or bundled with pirated software.
  2. The Trojan is dormant until it is activated once a user unintentionally downloads it on their PC. Opening an email attachment, running a downloaded file, or going to a hacked website that automatically downloads files can all be steps in the installation process.
  3. After installation, the Trojan executes its malicious payload, which is the specific action or actions it was designed to perform.
    • Data Theft: Trojans can track keystrokes, access saved credentials, or take screenshots in order to obtain sensitive information, including passwords, credit card numbers, and personal information.
    • Remote Access: Some Trojans create backdoors on infected systems, allowing attackers to gain unauthorised remote access, enabling them to control the system, upload and download files, or execute commands.
    • Spying and Surveillance: Certain Trojans can activate webcams and microphones, monitor user activity, capture audio and video, and even take screenshots covertly.
    • Downloading Additional Malware: Trojans may download and install other malware onto the infected system, such as ransomware, spyware, or adware, further compromising security.
    • System Damage: Trojans can corrupt files, modify system settings, disable security software, or disrupt normal system operations, causing instability or rendering the system unusable.
  4. To avoid detection and removal, Trojans often attempt to hide their presence by disguising themselves within system files, using rootkit techniques to evade antivirus scans, or modifying system settings to maintain persistence across system reboots.
  5. Once installed on one system, Trojans can exploit vulnerabilities to spread to other connected devices within the same network or through infected files shared via email or removable media.

Ways To Keep Safe from Trojan Horse Threats

  1. Install reliable antivirus tools and keep them updated to detect and remove Trojans.
  2. Recurrently update your operating system, software, and browsers to patch security vulnerabilities exploited by Trojans.
  3. Refrain from opening email attachments or clicking on links from suspicious sources to prevent Trojan infections.
  4. Only download software and apps from official and reputable sources to avoid inadvertently installing Trojans bundled with malicious software.
  5. Turn on a firewall on your devices or network to observe and manage incoming and outgoing traffic, which helps block Trojan infections and unauthorised access attempts.

How can iZOOlogic help my Company or Organisation?

Find out how iZOOlogic can protect you against the threats of Trojan horses with the Financial Malware/Trojan Monitoring solutions.

To find out more about how iZOOlogic can help protect your company’s cyber security, schedule a demo.