Consequences of Trojans - From Monitoring to Hacking

Article written by: Ashwanth Sundaramoorthi

Article designed by: Ashwanth Sundaramoorthi & Palak Tiwari

If somebody were to download an app or click on an advertisement link that they think they know what it is, but it isn’t, how dangerous could it be exactly? Well, there are many problems that can occur, such as data leaks, viruses, and many more. However, these all connect to some of the largest and most threatening malware, Trojan Horses. 

What exactly are Trojan Horses? They are a specific type of malware that is disguised as a legitimate and reliable app or website to lure people into accessing and downloading the content. The only way for Trojan Horses to be able to do anything is if the user does their part in downloading the Trojan onto their device. Once this is done, these Trojan Horses can do many things, such as monitor devices, leak data to the dark web, damage multiple files, and even hack the user’s device.

Not only do we need to know what Trojan Horses can do, we also have to know what types there are. According to Galaxkey.com, there are multiple types of Trojan Horses to look out for, such as Backdoor Trojans, which allow control over computers or other devices, Downloader Trojans that add on more Trojans and malware to an already infected device, and much more. It is very important for us to be aware of malware or Trojans like these, since each of them has its cons and will contribute equally to a greater problem.

How commonly do Trojan Horses attack peoples’ devices? It is much more common than you may think - nira.com created a survey to collect data on how much people got affected by these types of malware, and it was recorded that in the span of 2015 to 2020, there have been more than 40 billion malware attacks worldwide. It was also uncovered recently that more than 450,000 malwares are being discovered every day.

So then, what can you do when your device is attacked by a Trojan Horse? Well, there are multiple ways to reduce the risks and even diminish the problem after some time. One way is to install a trustworthy malware removal device. They are most effective for scanning for any malware in your device, then proceeding to remove that malware as well. However, it has to be from a trustworthy source, or you may just add on to the malware even more. Another effective way is to contact cybersecurity professionals, who can help guide you through any specific problems regarding the device you are using and the malware that you are being affected by. 

The most important action that one could do to not have any Trojan Horses affect their device is to just be aware! Trojan Horses can access data from devices - and hack them too - because of the decisions made by users. The best way to ensure this won’t happen is by avoiding suspicious-looking apps, blocking random advertisements, regularly backing up your files to properly store your data, and setting a strong password for yourself so that no one can just easily guess it.

Up to this day, people are still getting hacked by various Trojan Horses since they don’t know what to do or can’t prevent it from happening. By following these advised steps, you will be able to ensure a safe setting for not only your devices, but your data and information as well!

Citations

Images:

• ThriveDX Media, 21 December, 2022, “7 Phases of a Trojan Horse Attack” https://thrivedx.com/resources/blog/7-phases-of-a-trojan-horse-attack

• Nira.com, “Malware Statistics”

https://nira.com/malware-statistics/

Others:

• Galaxkey, 4 November, 2022, “What are the Different Types of Trojan Malware?” https://www.galaxkey.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-trojan-malware/

• Security.org, “What Is a Trojan Virus?” 

https://www.security.org/antivirus/trojan/