Cybercriminals create more complicated and diverse methods of obtaining sensitive data as we become more dependent on technology and entrust it with more of our personal information. There are many different types of harmful malware, including Trojan Horses. But there are various varieties of this malware. Trojan Horses come in a variety of forms and are created for various purposes.
What are the most typical Trojan types that you should be on the lookout for?
Let's quickly review what Trojan Horses are before we look at the various types of them.
The Odyssey, a work of Homer's from classical Greece, is where the phrase "Trojan Horse" first emerged. The city of Troy receives a large wooden horse as a gift, but the recipients have no idea that soldiers are concealed inside the animal. The soldiers can invade when the horse enters the city.
Similar to the original, a Trojan Horse program conceals itself in otherwise defenseless software. For instance, you might believe that an app is safe to download and install, but the developer may have added a Trojan to the program. Once the program has infected your device, it can be used for a variety of illegal activities, including remote control, data theft, and activity monitoring.
Different Trojan Types:
It's crucial to be aware of the various Trojan Horse types so you can better protect yourself.
1. Downloader trojans
The operation of downloader Trojans requires an internet connection. When a device is infected by the Trojan, it does not do anything until an internet connection is made, at which point it can download more malicious software to aid the hacker in their attack. On the infected device, this type of Trojan can also start up malicious software. They serve as a kind of opening salvo in the assault, giving the hacker a firm grip on the target.
2. Rootkit Trojan
Software tools called rootkits are utilized for remote administrative access. Frequently, unauthorized remote access serves as a launchpad for a cyberattack. The attacker can exploit the infected device by performing a variety of different tasks with administrative access provided by a rootkit Trojan. A cybercriminal might, for instance, run another malicious programme, steal confidential login information, or listen in on personal communications.
3. Fake Antivirus Trojans
False antivirus Trojans, as their name implies, pose as antivirus software. In this way, the victim will believe the programme is keeping them safe when the reality is completely the opposite. Even though the programme may try to trick you by imitating antivirus functions, its true objective is exploitation. By intimidating the user into purchasing additional security measures, such software defrauds them of their money.
4. Banking Trojans
Banking data is the main focus of banking Trojans. In the world of cybercrime, bank credentials are a highly sought-after type of data because they can give attackers direct access to a victim's money. This type of information is frequently traded on the dark web, where criminal enterprises will pay hackers to gain access to their stolen information. Banking Trojans frequently target the websites of financial institutions.
5. Game-Thief Trojans
An attacker can obtain the victim's banking credentials when a banking Trojan is downloaded onto the victim's device. Banking Trojans can assist the attacker get past two-factor authentication barriers in addition to login credentials, which is a security measure that many people use to protect their online bank accounts.
Game-thief Trojans, also known as "gaming Trojans," are used to hack into gaming accounts and steal personal data. There are currently millions of online gaming accounts, giving cybercriminals a market for data theft. When the Trojan gains access to important data, it will then send that information to the attacker. For instance, a user's Steam account might be targeted in order to gain access to payment data or steal virtual goods.
Trojan horses are so adaptable that they put internet users at risk in various ways, making it challenging to avoid them. But you can more effectively avoid Trojan Horses and protect yourself and your data by being aware of the risks and using extra caution when using your devices.
