What is Trojan? Is it as dangerous as a Virus?

The term Trojan is becoming increasingly common, but not everyone knows what a Trojan is. Is it a form of malware or a virus? To find the answer, readers can continue to refer to the article below by Mytour.

I. What is Trojan?

Trojan horse or simply Trojan is a malicious code or software resembling legitimate software but capable of controlling the victim's computer. Trojan is designed to sabotage, disrupt, steal, or perform other malicious behaviors on the user's data or network system.

Trojan operates as a legitimate application or file to deceive users into downloading, installing, and running it on their devices. Once installed, it executes malicious actions as designed.

Sometimes Trojan is also referred to as Trojan virus (or Trojan horse virus), but this terminology is entirely incorrect. Viruses can self-execute and replicate, whereas Trojans do not; they require user execution of the software. However, Trojan viruses and malicious Trojan software can be used interchangeably.

II. How does Trojan operate?

When receiving an email from someone you believe you know and clicking on an attached link, but unfortunately, it's a phishing email from cybercriminals. Downloading and opening that attached link means you're installing malware on your device, your computer.

Once the program is executed, the malware can infect other files and destroy your computer.

Trojans are designed to carry out a variety of malicious behaviors on the victim's device.

Below is a list of the most common Trojans:

1. Trojan Backdoor

This type of trojan can create a direct 'backdoor,' allowing attackers to access and control the user's computer. User data can be downloaded and stolen by third parties, or other malware can be uploaded and installed on their computer.

2. Trojan DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service)

This Trojan type executes Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. The idea is to attack a network by abusing the access traffic on the infected user's computer.

3. Trojan Downloader

This Trojan targets infected user computers, downloading and installing variants of malicious programs, including Trojans and adware (advertising software).

4. Trojan Fake AV

Trojan Fake AV functions like antivirus software but demands ransom to scan and remove threats, whether genuine or fake.

5. Trojan Game-thief

Victims of this trojan type are primarily online gamers. Trojan Game-thief attempts to steal their account information.

6. Trojan Infostealer

True to its name, this Trojan type steals information, data on the victim's computer, device.

7. Trojan Mailfinder

Trojan Mailfinder attempts to steal email addresses that users log into on their devices.

8. Trojan Ransom

Trojan Ransom demands victims pay a ransom to allow them to access their computer and files.

9. Trojan Remote Access

This Trojan type grants attackers full control over the victim's computer via remote network connections to steal information or monitor them.

10. Trojan Rootkit

Rootkit is designed to conceal or hide malware on the infected victim's computer, aiming to prolong the time before the malware is detected.

11. Trojan SMS

This type of trojan infects users' mobile devices, then sends text messages from the mobile phone to premium-rate phone numbers, making victims pay for insurance.

12. Trojan Banker

Trojan Banker primarily targets users' financial accounts. This type of trojan is designed to steal victim account information including bank cards, credit cards, and payment invoice data when they conduct online transactions.

13. Trojan IM

This trojan targets instant messages, stealing user login information and passwords on IM platforms.

How does Trojan affect mobile devices?

Trojan not only affects devices like computers or laptops but also impacts mobile devices including mobile phones and tablets.

Essentially, Trojan is distributed as an app that appears to be a legitimate application but is actually a fake version containing a range of malicious software. Cybercriminals mainly upload these apps on unofficial, unreliable sources.

Additionally, these apps can steal information on the victim's device and profit by sending SMS messages to premium-rate phone numbers for insurance.

A type of malicious software Trojan targeting specific Android devices is called Switcher Trojan, infecting victims' devices to attack their routers. As a result, cybercriminals can redirect access traffic on connected Wifi devices and use it for various purposes, carrying out other attacks.

III. Preventive Solutions for Trojan

Below are some solutions to prevent Trojan:

- Set up and run Internet security programs each time you boot your computer.
- Update to the latest operating system and application versions when available. Cybercriminals tend to exploit security vulnerabilities in outdated programs, software.
- Use strong passwords, combining difficult-to-guess alphanumeric characters. Additionally, use a different password for each account to avoid situations where multiple accounts are compromised simultaneously.
- Safeguard your personal information with a firewall.
- Regularly back up your files, data to prevent loss in case of Trojan infection on your computer.
- Be cautious with emails, attachments. It's best not to open emails from unfamiliar senders, and always scan attachments before opening them.
- Avoid accessing, downloading, and installing software from untrusted websites, sources.

This article by Mytour just introduced you to What is Trojan? Some common types of trojans today. Additionally, if you have any questions or need clarification on topics like Phishing attacks or what are some ways to remove trojans?, readers can leave their comments below the article.

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