Description: Trojans and backdoors are types of malware that allow unauthorized access to a computer system. A Trojan, in particular, presents itself as legitimate or harmless software to deceive users into installing it. Once inside the system, it can perform various malicious actions, such as stealing information, installing other types of malware, or creating backdoors. Backdoors are methods that allow an attacker to bypass a system’s security measures, providing remote access without the user’s knowledge. This access can be used to control the system, steal data, or carry out illegal activities. Both types of malware are particularly dangerous because they can operate covertly, making detection by antivirus and antimalware difficult. The combination of Trojans and backdoors represents a significant threat to cybersecurity, as they can compromise the integrity and confidentiality of personal and business information.
History: The term ‘trojan’ comes from the famous story of the Trojan Horse, where the Greeks deceived the Trojans into accepting an object that contained hidden warriors. In the realm of computing, the first Trojans were documented in the 1980s, coinciding with the rise of personal computing. As technology advanced, so did the techniques of attackers, leading to the creation of more sophisticated Trojans. Backdoors, on the other hand, have existed since the early days of programming, but their malicious use became popular in the 1990s with the rise of the Internet and remote connectivity.
Uses: Trojans are primarily used to steal sensitive information, such as passwords and banking data, and to install other types of malware on the infected system. Backdoors are used by attackers to maintain access to a compromised system, allowing remote control and execution of commands without the user’s knowledge. Both are common tools in targeted attacks and cyber espionage campaigns.
Examples: A famous example of a Trojan is ‘Zeus’, which was used to steal banking information. As for backdoors, ‘Back Orifice’ is a well-known case that allowed attackers to remotely control various operating systems. Another example is ‘NetBus’, which also provided remote access to attackers.
