The term trojan doesn’t imply a specific function — “trojan” just refers to malware with this
specific delivery method. Trojan malware may be designed to spy on the activity on your Linux
system, it may be a kind of ransomware, or it could try to link your device to a botnet.{‘ ‘}

Regardless of what the malware actually does, the defining feature of the trojan is that it
pretends to be part of a safe software that you must install yourself, unlike other forms of
malware or virus that infect your device without your active participation.



Linux, like all operating systems, is susceptible to botnet malware. This malicious software is
designed to remotely control your device and to link it with a network of other infected
devices.

botnet malware can be installed
on your Linux device in a variety of ways. You could accidentally download an exploit kit by
clicking on a hacker’s malicious advert. A phishing email attachment could install software on
your device without you even knowing.{‘ ‘}

Once the botnet malware has been installed, it can lie dormant and unnoticed until activated
remotely from a command and control server. As part of a botnet, your Linux device could then be
compelled to generate traffic as part of a DDoS attack.

Ransomware is designed to
restrict your access to your own device or files, forcing you to pay a ransom fee to get your
files back. Ransomware can infect your device by any number of methods, from phishing emails to
trojans. Once installed, the software will encrypt some or all of the data stored on your Linux
machines.

You won’t be able to access your data while it is encrypted and will then be prompted to pay a
large sum of money for an encryption key. However, you have no guarantee that the key will be
given to you if you do pay up.

If your Linux device is targeted by ransomware, it is best not to pay the ransom, for two
reasons. First, doing so does not guarantee the return of your data, only the loss of your
money. Second, people and companies that hand over ransoms are often targeted again because they
are now known to pay.


Rootkits are programs that give
hackers remote access to your device, allowing them to take control of it without your
permission — or even without your knowledge. Remote command and control servers can be used to
operate the rootkits from afar.{‘ ‘}

Rootkits are usually delivered through phishing email attachments or malware-spreading websites,
and once installed they can be very hard to detect. Linux kernel-mode rootkits are particularly
difficult to find and remove because once they’re installed, the hacker can remove and alter
records within your system, erasing any indicators of compromise.{‘ ‘}

If you continue to use your Linux device as normal, unaware of the threat, your activity could
be spied on and your data stolen.

Linux systems can be targeted by{‘ ‘} cryptojacking malware. This
malicious software has two main goals — to force the infected device to mine cryptocurrency and
to remain undetected.

Cryptojackers are designed to work quietly behind the scenes because the longer they are in
action, the more potential cryptocurrency your device will generate for the perpetrator. If your
Linux computer suddenly slows down, performs poorly, or overheats, it may be the result of
crypto mining processes.

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You could be targeted by many different types of malware and viruses on Linux. Though the list
of possible threats to Linux users (or users on any operating system) is endless, here are some
of the most common Linux malware attacks.



XORDDoS is a DDoS botnet that targets Linux systems. Using a rootkit, it gains access to your
device after installation and can rope it into future botnet operations. As with many malware
types, you may not realize you have this program on your device for a long time, because it
won’t start slowing down your system until activated by the command and control server.{‘ ‘}



CHAOS RAT, or CHAOS Remote Administrative Tool, is a trojan, designed to facilitate unauthorized
access, data theft, surveillance, and cryptojacking. Once it is installed, a hacker can start
operating your device from afar — for example, setting it up to mine cryptocurrency without your
knowledge.{‘ ‘}



The Syslogk Linux rootkit was created to give hackers administrative access to your Linux
device. Once your machine is infected, the rootkit gives its operator the capacity to spy on
your activity, install additional software, and take control of your system. This Linux malware
is particularly risky because it can hide its tracks, leaving few signs of its presence in your
system logs.



RansomExx has been around for a while, but it was only recently modified to target Linux
operating systems. New Linux malware variants emerge all the time, but this one has been
especially effective in recent years. RansomExx is, as the name suggests, a ransomware program.
It typically sneaks onto your device via a trojan called IcedID and once in place, it can
encrypt your data and demand a ransom.



Whether you’re an individual or a business, you can take steps to improve your{‘ ‘} Linux security.