What Are Trojan Horses And How Do They Compare To Viruses And Worms?

A Trojan Horse, or Trojan for short, is any type of malicious software (malware) that disguises itself as a helpful program or legitimate file but whose true purpose is to enable a hacker to access your computer’s operating system and infect it. In addition to harming your OS, this form of malware can enable hackers to steal your personal information. In order to reach targeted computers, Trojans will install themselves by doing any of the following:

by using a “drive-by” download (downloads that occur without a person’s consent or knowledge of them)
through online gaming
via internet-driven applications

The Trojan is one of the simplest yet highly effective types of social engineering, the act or art of manipulating an individual into divulging their personal information or performing certain actions. It is similar to a fraudulent action or trickery. Its name was derived from Greek mythology and therefore presents itself as a harmless yet useful “gift” so that victim is persuaded to install it on their PC or laptop.

Types Of Trojans

Some of the more common Trojans floating around on the internet are Beast, Flashback (a backdoor infection), Netbus, Sub7, Y3K, and Zeus. When access to your computer is enabled by a Trojan, the hacker can perform a wide range of different operations including:

crashing your system
data and identity theft
downloading and uploading files on your system
installing 3rd party malware
logging keystrokes
modifying your files or deleting them
stealing your money electronically
using your system as a robot network (botnet)
watching your computer monitor

In most of these issues, interaction with the hacker is usually required in order to fulfill the purpose of the action. However, the hacker does not have to be responsible for the Trojan or be the original distributor of it.

Comparing Trojans To Viruses And Worms

There is a wide range of malware that hackers use when targeting computer systems. However, unlike viruses and worms, Trojans are not self-replicating in nature. They are simply very malicious programs that are typically disguised or have the appearance of a harmless gift. When comparing them to viruses and worms, be aware that Viruses can modify themselves and then the modified versions can modify themselves as well. Worms can use your computer system to send out copies of itself to other computer systems. Regardless, all three of these are serious computer security issues to be aware of.

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