1. Definition
A Trojan, also known as a “Trojan horse,” is a type of malicious software that disguises itself as a legitimate program to trick users into installing it. Once inside your network, it can create backdoors for hackers to steal sensitive data, disrupt operations, or compromise security. Much like the ancient Greek story of the Trojan Horse, where enemies hid inside a seemingly harmless gift, a Trojan can infiltrate your company’s systems under the guise of a routine email attachment, software update, or even a trusted application.
2. History
The term “Trojan” in the cybersecurity context originated from the Greek myth of the Trojan Horse, symbolizing deception and infiltration. The first known computer Trojan, named “ANIMAL,” appeared in the 1970s as a disguised game program that sought out a backdoor on a victim’s computer. Since then, Trojans have evolved significantly. In the 1990s, they gained prominence as cybercriminals began using them to install backdoors for remote access. Today, Trojans are highly sophisticated, often designed to evade detection by traditional security tools and are commonly used in targeted attacks against businesses.
3. Examples of Business Impact
- Emotet Trojan (2014 – Present): Originally a banking Trojan, Emotet evolved into a versatile malware that delivers other malicious payloads, such as ransomware and data-stealing software. It spreads through phishing emails and can cripple business operations by providing hackers with unauthorized access to sensitive company data, often leading to significant financial loss and reputational damage.
- Zeus Trojan (2007 – 2010): Zeus was one of the most notorious banking Trojans, responsible for stealing millions of dollars from businesses worldwide. It infected computers through phishing emails and used keystroke logging to capture banking credentials. Despite efforts to dismantle Zeus, its variants continue to pose threats to businesses today.
- WannaCry Spread through Trojan (2017): While primarily known as ransomware, WannaCry was often spread through Trojans disguised as email attachments or links. It resulted in large-scale business disruptions, downtime, and millions in damages, underscoring the dangerous impact Trojans can have on corporate networks.
4. Insight
To mitigate the risk of Trojans, it is essential to implement comprehensive security awareness training for employees, as they are often the first line of defense against phishing attempts and malicious downloads. Additionally, conducting regular security assessments can identify potential vulnerabilities that Trojans might exploit. Employing advanced endpoint protection solutions and a robust incident response plan will further strengthen your defenses. Engaging with a Fractional Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) can ensure that your cybersecurity strategy is equipped to handle these evolving threats.
5. Call to Action (CTA)
Don’t let a Trojan slip through the cracks in your security. To learn more about our security assessments and strategic consulting, Contact us for a free consultation to discover how our Fractional CISO services can help protect your business from hidden threats.