This week we’re wrapping up our ‘Types of Malware’ blog series. In our previous blog posts, we discussed various types of different malware that can pose a significant risk to businesses and IT infrastructure. This week, we'll delve into one of the most insidious threats: Trojan Horse malware. Unlike viruses and worms that replicate themselves, Trojans are designed to enter a system disguised as legitimate software. This deceptive nature makes them particularly dangerous and difficult to protect against. By the end of this short read you’ll have a better understanding of how to detect Trojans as well as how to mitigate your cyber security risk.
What is a Trojan Horse Malware?
A Trojan Horse is a malicious program that masquerades as a harmless or desirable piece of software. It's often hidden within legitimate-looking files, such as documents, images, or executable programs. Once a Trojan enters a system, it can perform a variety of malicious activities, including:
Data Theft: Trojans can steal sensitive information like passwords, credit card details, and personal data.
Backdoor Access: They can create a backdoor, allowing cyber criminals unauthorized access to a system where they can monitor and wait for an opportune time to exploit the access for their gain at your expense.
System Damage: Trojans can damage or destroy system files, leading to data loss or system failure.
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks: Trojans can turn infected devices into bots, participating in DDoS attacks that can disrupt network services and slow your devices considerably.
Ransomware Delivery: Trojans are often a means to deliver ransomware directly into your business shutting you down and potentially costing you thousands in remediation.
How Trojan Horses Infect Systems
There are a wide variety of ways that a Trojan can infect your systems. Here are the top three ways to keep your eyes peeled for.
Phishing Emails: These emails contain malicious attachments or links that, when clicked, download the Trojan.
Infected Websites: Visiting compromised websites can lead to Trojan infections.
USB Drives: Plugging in infected USB drives can introduce Trojans to a system.
Protecting Your Business from Trojan Horse Malware
To safeguard your business from Trojan Horse malware, follow these best practices:
Keep Software Up-to-Date: Install the latest security patches and updates for your operating system and applications. Doing this keeps your systems from operating with known security exploits and closes the doors on potential entry points for cyber criminals.
Use a Reliable Antivirus Solution: A reputable updated antivirus program can detect and remove Trojan threats before they are able to breach your systems.
Be Cautious of Email Attachments: Avoid opening attachments from unknown or suspicious senders.
Use Strong Passwords and MFA: Create complex, unique passwords for your online accounts and enforce MFA across all platforms your business uses.
Educate Employees: Train your employees to recognize and report phishing attempts and avoid clicking on suspicious links.
Business Continuity Plan: Develop and implement a business continuity plan that includes off-site backup of your data and a response and recovery process in the event of a cyberattack, including data breaches, ransomware and system failures caused by Trojan malware.
Implement a Managed IT Service: Partnering with a managed IT provider in Kelowna or remotely can provide expert guidance and proactive security measures and help you to implement each of these key points to protect your business from being the next target of Trojans.
Don’t Be Like the City of Troy
In the tales, the Greeks delivered the Trojan to the gates of the City of Troy, in today’s time Trojans are delivered in many ways. By understanding the nature of these threats, implementing solid cyber security measures and keeping good cyber hygiene, you can significantly reduce the risk of your business falling victim to these cyberattacks.
Remember, to keep your organization safe from threat actors, prevention is key. Stay vigilant, keep your software updated, and your employees on the lookout. Cyber security is difficult to stay on top of if it’s not your core business. To ensure your business and investment is protected when IT isn’t your wheelhouse, look to Managed Service Providers (MSP) like SFY Information Technology to help you set up the proper policies, security applications and provide ongoing support so you and your business can focus on what you do best leaving the IT to your trusted partner.