Also known as Trojan horse, Trojan is one of the most used threats in the cyber world. Through it, the cybercriminal aims to create points of vulnerability or access to the invasion of various types of malicious software. To understand the impact this threat represents, Trojan-PSW blockages , software created exclusively to steal employee passwords to gain access to a company's network or internet banking, had a 143% growth in Brazil by 2022.
As told in Greek mythology, which during a war the Trojans received a wooden horse full of hidden soldiers inside, Trojan is also a threat that is hidden within something legitimate . Because of the risks that this type of cyber coup can represent to companies and users, it is essential to understand how it works and how to combat this trap.
To help you, we have prepared content complete with everything you need to know about Trojan , its main aspects and ways to combat.
Trojan: What is and how it works
Simply put, Trojan consists of a strategy used by cybercriminals to make various types of software and threat to be delivered to users and favor the application of numerous scams such as information theft and financial data, data leaks, file kidnapping, among others.
It is important to know how to differentiate the trojan from adka 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 getting the user to receive certain advertisements and ads for monetization. Do you know what a potentially unwanted program is? Find out here:
Although uncomfortable, in most cases these problems do not pose a great risk to the user. Despite using the same distribution vector, this type of program is not usually disguised , such as the Trojans.
Trojans installation can happen in many ways and may look like many files, ranging from software to ads, they can also be disguised as legitimate programs and applications that confuse users . In addition, some behaviors may favor the installation of this type of software, such as:
- By downloading cracked applications: Many users look for free illegal software copies that are commonly paid. However, cracked software can hide Trojans and cause great damage to the user . The same goes for activation keys generators.
- Downloading unknown free programs: screen protectors, wallpaper, free games… Many of these programs and files can be a disguise for a dangerous trojan.
- Download Files on Unfaithful Website: When downloading documents and files from non -reliable websites, the risk is even higher. By receiving and opening infected attachments, you can install malware and viruses without noticing. Malicious emails are sent with infected attachments or links that, when opened, perform program installation without user authorization, creating a great vulnerability.
- Through the access of suspicious websites: This type of infection is very common on websites that promise to download and stream video and series. They often condition the opening of this type of file to a downloaded program , which is usually infected and causes many problems to your device.
Types of Trojan
Because it is a very wide blow, there are several types of Trojan that can be used according to the malicious intentions of the cybercriminal. Here are some of the main types and how they can harm your device :
Backdoor Trojan
This is one of Trojan's most simplified types, and very dangerous for users. This threat allows your computer to be infected with various types of malware and even turned into botnets, which are zombies computers used in large -scale attacks such as DDOS attack . It also allows some commands and codes to be performed 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 within the machines, favoring the execution of this file for a longer period of time.
Banking Trojan
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 obtain illegitimately obtaining credentials to access the user's bank accounts. This type of threat can use phishing techniques, forwarding user to false pages where credentials are inserted and sent to the criminal.
Trojan DDOS
One of the most worrying threats for companies is DDOS (Distributed Service Denial Attack) attacks. Through this attack, cybercriminals can unable a company's websites and services , causing immense damage to the profitability and image of the market in the market. DDOS Trojans settle on the computer without the user noticing, providing access to cybercriminals to apply this scam against companies.
TROJAN OF FALSE ANTIVIRUS
This threat is also extremely common on the internet and has already made thousands of victims around the world. This threat is particularly dangerous, as the user thinks he is protecting his computer against viruses and malware and in fact, this application does not protect from anything . On the contrary: In addition to not protecting the machine where it is installed, it also requests the payment of a monthly fee to the user, which provides the payment data, is forwarding confidential information to the criminal.
What damage can this threat can cause?
As we have seen, Trojans can be applied in a variety of ways and can affect devices of all kinds 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 has a wide range of malicious software, Trojan can cause immeasurable damage to the company, such as:
Data loss
Data loss is not just a hindrance to a business routine. A lot of essential information for continuing certain businesses is stored in their devices, and the loss of this data can interrupt activities and impair profitability .
To avoid this type of problem, in addition to security software and features aimed at protecting devices, it is essential to have a backup policy that helps maintain a security copy of everything that is stored.
Leakage of information
Another very dangerous problem that can be caused by Trojan is the leakage of information . Especially after the General Data Protection Law, the concern for 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 safe, protecting the identity and integrity of all its customers, partners, employees and suppliers. Information leakage can lead to fines and considerably harm the company's image.
Device damage
Some types of Trojan may impair the proper functioning of the devices used by the company. Once damaged, it is necessary to bear the maintenance costs necessary to restore the operation of these machines .
In addition, the company suffers from the interruption or drop in productivity, factors that directly reflect the profitability of the business and its growth. Trojans damage can be varied, and (often irreversible) devices damage generate business costs .
How your company can protect yourself: essential tips
It is important to remember that Trojan horses only bear this name because they need user authorization to be executed. 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 attentive to everything that is accessed, installed and open in 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 activities on the computer.
Internet access control is also critical to companies that want to avoid this kind of problem. With the help of Lumiun's solutions, such as Lumiun DNS and Lumiun Box , you can establish a internet use policy and ensure that your employees stay away from problems. It is also important to adopt some measures during the use of the internet within the business, such as:
- Be careful when opening attachments received from suspicious emails, checking if the sender, if the text does not have any suspicious information and if it is really necessary to open this document.
- Keep all security software updated according to developer guidelines. These updates serve to keep these programs up to date with the main cyber threats on the market.
- Care of links found on emails and suspicious websites, as these links are usually implemented as traps to make users inadvertently install programs.
- Do not download pirate software or dubious sources. In the case of computers, it is important that these programs go through antivirus check before their proper installation . In cases of cell phones and other mobile devices, it is essential to use only the application store corresponding to the operating system.
- Check file extensions to identify if the received file is an image, document or if it is an executable file.
- Whenever possible use the authentication of two factors to increase security in information access.
- Keep a backup routine to create a security copy of everything stored by your business.
The internet, although essential, is an environment full of risks and threats . It is important for the company to be able to establish measures and protocols that keep this security always up to date. Get to know Lumiun Box and Lumiun DNS and find out everything these tools can do to help keep your data safe and your employees away from problems in the digital world.
Until later!
