Trojan Horse - What is a trojan horse? Trojan Horse Definition

What is a Trojan Horse?

Trojans, on the other hand, are programs that masquerade as legitimate software, but once installed, can open a backdoor for attackers to access the system or steal sensitive information.

Trojans are spread as legitimate programs and hence are intentionally installed by a user. Consider an antivirus application. A user can download and install an antivirus application or install the application from a file sent via P2P (peer-to-peer). On installation, the application will request access to the core components of a device, and since it's an antivirus, users will often grant this access. However, once installed, the antivirus will begin other tasks outside its description such as running keyloggers, taking screen grabs, and collecting data. Trojan programs can also create backdoor access to computer systems such as unauthorized remote access, which can allow them to run more complex attacks.

Trojan applications are designed to fully carry out a task as intended to avoid detection. If the trojan is spread through an illegal game, users will be able to play the game. If it is an antivirus, the application will ironically protect against different types of malware while committing malicious acts.

How to protect against trojans?

To protect against trojans, and other types of malware, install applications from their official pages and app stores. Illegal applications are often used to spread malware such as trojan horses. It's also essential to keep applications such as OS and other software up to date, and use reputable antivirus software, as it can flag potential trojan programs before installation, during installation, and even after installation. Also, remember to regularly back up important data to help mitigate the impact of trojan attacks.

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