How To Prevent Trojan Attacks Against Your Business

Trojans cost businesses around the world millions of dollars. They can cause data breaches, loss of vital information, and more. However, it’s possible to protect your business and prevent Trojan attacks.

In this article, the Bay Area’s cybersecurity experts discuss how to prevent Trojan attacks and everything you need to know about this type of malware.

What Is A Trojan Virus?

A Trojan computer virus is malware that appears to be a genuine harmless file or an attachment. However, once you open or install it, it can cause a wide range of problems for your business.

The name Trojan Virus comes from the old Greek tale of soldiers hidden inside a giant wooden horse and left outside Troy’s gates. Just like the hidden soldiers came out to open the city gates once the horse was inside Troy’s city walls, a Trojan horse virus can literally open the gates for cybercriminals to either hold your business to ransom or install other malware types.

The Most Popular Types Of Trojan Malware

Some of the most common types of Trojan malware include the following.

Remote Access Trojan

This type of Trojan horse can connect to a remote server, giving a cyber attacker remote control over your operating system. Once in, they can edit, send, or download even more Trojan viruses. Attackers also use this Trojan for deleting data off infected machines.

This type of malware is also known as backdoor Trojan horse.

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Trojan

These Trojan horses trick your computer or mobile device into becoming a part of a network of zombie computers that can launch DDoS attacks. As a part of the network, they can send malicious internet traffic to specific URLs, with the aim of overloading the server.

Trojan Downloader

Downloader Trojans are minor malware that can install even more dangerous Trojan viruses if the host document or software is installed or downloaded successfully. This type of malware can remain dormant, turning your computer into a tool for a DDoS attack.

Spyware

Spyware Trojan intercepts sensitive information by copying your files or recording keystrokes and websites you or members of your staff visit. It’s how cybercriminals access sensitive business information.

Ransomware

These backdoor Trojans take complete control of your business systems until you pay a ransom.

Banker Trojan

Banker or banking Trojan viruses are malicious programs that can steal financial information. They will remain inactive until you open a banking app or enter your credit card details in a form. As long as the Trojan infection remains undetected, any financial activity on the infected computer is at risk of getting hijacked.

SMS Trojan

An SMS Trojan horse can send and read text messages on your device. Hackers target key personnel in businesses by hoping they fall for malicious attacks orchestrated through an email attachment or malicious links sent when they are likely on a mobile phone (such as after work hours).

Mailfinder Trojan

This Trojan horse steals all email information on your device.

How To Protect Your Business From A Trojan Horse

Fortunately, business owners are not helpless against Trojan horses. You can take pre-emptive steps to stay safe from Trojan threats.

Here’s how to prevent Trojan attacks against your business.

Keep all software up to date

Don’t ignore prompts to update the operating system on computers, servers, mobile devices, and other internet-connected hardware. Beyond the operating systems, don’t forget to update browsers and applications.

Similarly, you should only download software updates from approved sources.

Secure your hardware

Cybercriminals or their accomplices can walk into your business premises and manually attach a Trojan to computers or servers. Improving your security around server rooms and deploying sophisticated hardware-based security can help prevent such loopholes.

You should also consider investing in a cloud solution that can track company devices at all times, including those reported stolen.

Encrypt business data

Encryption makes your sensitive data difficult to understand in the event of a breach. However, most full-disk encryption mechanisms will only kick in when an attacker tries to access the disk without using the right login details.

Educate your staff on how to prevent Trojan attacks

Trojan malware spreads quickly in business environments where the targeted user’s knowledge of malicious activity is limited. Re-orientation and constant training will help reduce the risk of attackers succeeding in their ploy to gain access to your business.

Some of the security measures you can teach your staff include:

•  Using strong, unique passwords
•  Using cybersecurity software effectively
•  Understanding how to spot phishing attacks and suspicious links
•  Understanding strange device behavior
•  Paying attention to URLs and email attachments before clicking
•  Avoiding file downloads from unknown or untrusted sources
•  Avoiding posting confidential or financial data online
•  Avoiding shortened URLs (may lead to infected websites)
•  Avoiding clicking through to sensitive websites from an email
•  Always typing important website addresses in the address bar
•  Avoiding spammy banners and pop-ups on websites and across social media
•  Exercising caution with file-sharing peer-to-peer programs

Backup your data

Daily file backup to both cloud and hardware storage reduces the success rate of a ransomware attack and makes recovery from any form of malware attack less stressful.

Keep your firewall and antivirus software up to date

The firewall and antivirus or anti-malware solutions are the first line of defense against Trojan attacks. They can alert you to a threat almost immediately. The firewall monitors the traffic coming through and from your internet connection.

How To Remove Trojans

Removing Trojans is as simple as deleting the file hosting it. However, it’s not always easy to know which file is responsible, especially if the attack is already on the way.

The easiest way to remove most Trojans is to use a robust anti-virus program. The software can find the Trojan horse wherever it may be and remove it.

Learn How To Prevent Trojan Attacks From Cybersecurity Professionals

Do you need more guidance on how to protect your business from Trojan attacks? Schedule a consultation with Renascence IT Consulting. We can help teach you and your employees how to spot the signs and prevent Trojan attacks, how to prevent IP address spoofing, and more. Contact us today at (510) 552-6896 to schedule a consultation.