1_2_4 Section 1 – Attacks, Threats, and Vulnerabilities - 1.2

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Questions and Answers

What was the Trojan horse used for in history?

To act as a peace offering

To capture Troy from the Trojans (correct)

To serve as a symbol of power

To transport soldiers inside

What is a common characteristic of Trojan horse software?

It pretends to be harmless software (correct)

It encrypts all user files

It always announces its presence on the system

It is developed by antivirus companies

What can Trojan horse software do once it gains access to a system?

Disable security tools and download additional malware (correct)

Delete all user files

Improve antivirus software efficacy

Enhance the performance of the computer

What does PUP stand for in the context of malware?

Potentially Unwanted Program Signup and view all the answers

How does Trojan horse software often reach a user's computer?

By pretending to be harmless software during installation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a Trojan horse software's disguise?

To bypass security measures and trick users Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of malware running on your computer?

Opening up a back door on your system Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a potentially unwanted program mentioned in the text?

Conduit Signup and view all the answers

What is a common function of a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) mentioned in the text?

Collecting usernames and passwords Signup and view all the answers

Why might an attacker install a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) on a computer?

To gain remote access and control Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to have the latest signatures installed for antivirus software?

To detect and prevent new malware threats Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) on an infected system described in the text?

To enable remote control by a third party Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of potentially unwanted programs mentioned in the text?

Often has names like Conduit and Spigot Signup and view all the answers

What action can an attacker perform with a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) based on the information provided?

Restart the computer remotely Signup and view all the answers

What type of software might inadvertently include back doors as described in the text?

Applications and network-connected equipment Signup and view all the answers

What should you avoid to prevent malware infections as suggested in the text?

Clicking unknown links and keeping antivirus software updated Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of Trojan horse software based on the text?

It disguises itself as harmless software Signup and view all the answers

How does Trojan horse software ensure it can freely operate on a computer system?

By disabling security tools on the system Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a PUP as described in the text?

To install potentially unwanted features Signup and view all the answers

How do Trojan horse software and PUPs differ based on the text?

PUPs disguise themselves as legitimate software Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of having Trojan horse software installed on a computer as stated in the text?

Decreased performance due to additional malware Signup and view all the answers

Why might Trojan horse software be challenging for antivirus programs to detect according to the text?

It appears as harmless or normal software Signup and view all the answers

What type of software might create a back door on your system, as described in the text?

Potentially unwanted programs Signup and view all the answers

Why is malware likely to open up a back door on an infected system?

To make it easier to reconnect to the system later Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) on an infected system, based on the information provided?

To allow third-party control over the operating system Signup and view all the answers

In what way might malware use a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) once it is installed on a system?

To collect usernames and passwords Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of unintended back doors as mentioned in the text?

Applications connected to a network Signup and view all the answers

How does malware typically use back doors to infect a computer with other types of malicious software?

By allowing multiple malware types to enter through the same back door Signup and view all the answers

What does a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) allow an attacker to do on an infected system?

Control the operating system remotely Signup and view all the answers

How does malware use back doors to facilitate future access to an infected system, according to the text?

By creating a new connection point without going through initial vulnerabilities again Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Trojan Horse Malware

A Trojan horse is a type of malware that disguises itself as legitimate software, allowing attackers to sneak malware onto a system.
Trojan horse software is designed to look normal and non-threatening to both users and antivirus software.
Once installed, Trojan horse software can disable security tools, giving attackers free reign of the system.

Backdoors and Remote Access Trojans (RATs)

Malware often creates backdoors on a system, allowing attackers to easily reconnect without having to exploit vulnerabilities again.
Backdoors can be used by multiple types of malware, making it easier for other malware to infect the system.
A Remote Access Trojan (RAT) is a type of malware that gives attackers remote access to a system, allowing them to control the operating system, collect keystrokes, take screenshots, and transfer files.

Prevention and Protection

To prevent Trojan horses and RATs, avoid clicking unknown links or email links, keep antivirus software up to date, and maintain a backup of your system.
Regularly update antivirus software and signatures to ensure protection against new malware.
Having a backup allows for easy system restoration in case of infection.

Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs)

A PUP is a type of software that may not be malicious but can cause performance problems and be undesirable.
Examples of PUPs include unwanted browser toolbars, backup utilities that show advertising, and software that hijacks browsers.

Protection from Malware

Avoid clicking unknown links or email links to prevent malware infection.
Keep antivirus software and signatures up to date to ensure protection against new malware.
Regularly back up your system to ensure easy restoration in case of infection.

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Description

Learn about the concept of the Trojan horse from ancient history and how it is applied in cybersecurity as malicious software. Discover how attackers use Trojan horse programs to deceive users into installing malware on their systems.

1_2_4 Section 1 – Attacks, Threats, and Vulnerabilities - 1.2 – Attack Types - Trojans and RATs