What is a Trojan Horse Attack?

A Trojan horse attack is a type of cyberattack where malicious software is used by attackers to gain control of a system and access a user’s confidential information. The term “Trojan horse” comes from Greek mythology, where soldiers hid inside a wooden horse to infiltrate and capture the city of Troy.

Similarly, a Trojan disguises itself as a genuine or trusted program or file. When a user downloads or runs it such as by clicking a link in an email or installing third-party software the malicious code gets activated. Unlike viruses and worms, a Trojan does not replicate itself. Instead, it creates a gateway that allows attackers to access the system or introduce additional malware such as ransomware, which can lock or encrypt data.

How to Protect Against Trojan Attacks

• Avoid opening unknown email attachments: Do not open files or links from untrusted or unfamiliar sources, as they may contain malicious software.
• Use only trusted software: Always download and install software from official and reliable sources. Avoid using unauthorized or pirated applications.
• Keep systems up to date: Regularly update your operating system and installed applications to fix security vulnerabilities.
• Use reliable antivirus software: Install and maintain trusted antivirus or anti-malware tools.