What is a Trojan horse?

A Trojan horse is a type of malware that disguises itself as a legitimate file or program to trick users into downloading and installing it. Once installed, a Trojan can give an attacker full control over your computer, steal your sensitive data, or even use your system to launch attacks on other computers.

Trojans are often spread via email attachments or by exploit kits that take advantage of vulnerabilities on websites to infect visitors’ computers. Many Trojans can be removed by installing and running a reputable antivirus program.

The term “Trojan horse” comes from the ancient Greek story of the Trojan War. In the story, the Greeks give a giant wooden horse to their enemies, the Trojans, as a peace offering. However, the horse is actually hollow and contains Greek soldiers. The soldiers sneak out of the horse during the night and open the city gates, allowing the rest of the Greek army to march in and capture the city.

Similarly, a Trojan horse malware disguises itself as a legitimate file or program in order to trick users into downloading and installing it. Once installed, the malware can give an attacker full control over the infected computer, steal sensitive data, or even use the system to launch attacks on other computers.

There are many different types of Trojan horses, and they can be spread via email attachments or by exploiting vulnerabilities on websites. Many Trojans can be removed by installing and running a reputable antivirus program. However, some Trojans are difficult to remove and may require a manual removal process.

If you think your computer may be infected with a Trojan horse, it is important to run a scan with a reputable antivirus program. You can also take steps to preventTrojan infections by keeping your software up-to-date and avoiding suspicious emails and websites.Reference

What is phishing?

Phishing is the fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details by disguising oneself as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. Phishing is typically carried out by email or instant messaging, and often directs users to enter personal information at a fake website that resembles a legitimate one. A form of phishing, known as vishing, uses automated voice messages instead of email.

While phishing attacks can be carried out by individuals, they are most often carried out by organized groups of criminals, known as phishing gangs. These gangs use mass emailing techniques to spoof trusted brands and trick individuals into revealing their personal information. Phishing gangs often operate from countries where laws and enforcement are lax, making it difficult to track and prosecute them.

According to the Anti-Phishing Working Group, there were over 48,000 unique phishing campaigns in the first half of 2020 alone. This represents a 34% increase from the same period in 2019. Phishing attacks are becoming more sophisticated and prevalent, making them a serious threat to both businesses and individuals.

There are several steps you can take to protect yourself from phishing attacks. Be suspicious of any email or message that asks you to click on a link or download an attachment, even if the sender appears to be someone you know. If you are unsure about the legitimacy of an email, contact the company directly to check. Do not enter your personal information into a website unless you are sure it is legitimate. And, if you receive a suspicious email, do not hesitate to report it to your email provider or the company that it claims to be from.

By following these simple steps, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of phishing attacks.

All material on this site was made with malwarezero.org as the authority reference. Official source.