--- title: "How Threat Actors Use Phishing & Other Methods To Launch Backdoor Attacks | Phish Protection" description: "How Threat Actors Use Phishing & Other Methods To Launch Backdoor Attacks: Some of the world" image: "https://phishprotection.com/og/blog/threat-actors-use-phishing-and-other-methods-to-launch-backdoor-attacks.png" canonical: "https://phishprotection.com/blog/threat-actors-use-phishing-and-other-methods-to-launch-backdoor-attacks/" --- Quick Answer As the above graph amply illustrates, \_Trojans have been one of the most significant challenges for IT Security teams across the world\_. These malicious codes can enter the system through the backdoor and infect the entire network. This survey is also testimony to \_how important it is to upgrade software and hardware continually\_. Backdoor-specific incidents have also shown a steady rise, and IT Security specialists have to \*\*deploy security measures\*\* and critical controls, including \[anti-phishing solutions\](/). Share [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fphishprotection.com%2Fblog%2Fthreat-actors-use-phishing-and-other-methods-to-launch-backdoor-attacks%2F "Share on LinkedIn") [ ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=How%20Threat%20Actors%20Use%20Phishing%20%26%23038%3B%20Other%20Methods%20To%20Launch%20Backdoor%20Attacks&url=https%3A%2F%2Fphishprotection.com%2Fblog%2Fthreat-actors-use-phishing-and-other-methods-to-launch-backdoor-attacks%2F "Share on X/Twitter") [ ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fphishprotection.com%2Fblog%2Fthreat-actors-use-phishing-and-other-methods-to-launch-backdoor-attacks%2F "Share on Facebook") [ ](https://reddit.com/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Fphishprotection.com%2Fblog%2Fthreat-actors-use-phishing-and-other-methods-to-launch-backdoor-attacks%2F&title=How%20Threat%20Actors%20Use%20Phishing%20%26%23038%3B%20Other%20Methods%20To%20Launch%20Backdoor%20Attacks "Share on Reddit") [ ](mailto:?subject=How%20Threat%20Actors%20Use%20Phishing%20%26%23038%3B%20Other%20Methods%20To%20Launch%20Backdoor%20Attacks&body=Check out this article: https%3A%2F%2Fphishprotection.com%2Fblog%2Fthreat-actors-use-phishing-and-other-methods-to-launch-backdoor-attacks%2F "Share via Email") ![Phish Protection blog post image](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/2021/06/what-is-phishing-5478.jpg) _Some of the world’s most audacious cyberattack attempts or incidents have happened due to the presence of backdoors_. Though backdoors are of particular help for developers who create them for troubleshooting, they can be destructive when in the hands of cyber-attackers. Only up-to-date and robust [cybersecurity practices](/resources/top-10-phishing-prevention-practices/) can counter backdoor exercises. Most development teams create a customized [backdoor](https://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/definition/back-door) that helps them maintain the software well. As the above graph amply illustrates, _Trojans have been one of the most significant challenges for IT Security teams across the world_. These malicious codes can enter the system through the backdoor and infect the entire network. This survey is also testimony to _how important it is to upgrade software and hardware continually_. Backdoor-specific incidents have also shown a steady rise, and IT Security specialists have to **deploy security measures** and critical controls, including [anti-phishing solutions](/). ### How Do Backdoor Attacks Work? Backdoors are of many types. _Most of them are legitimate components in the infrastructure put in place by the vendors themselves for maintenance purposes_. However, backdoors are usually in the news for the wrong reasons. They could be malware put in place by malicious actors who use it to access information systems and networks illegally. A malicious backdoor can be a first-line backdoor, which would imply that it is used as a staging ground for other malware downloads. However, in most cases, _the malware module itself acts as the backdoor_. Backdoors are not just limited to procured software or hardware but also encryption. _Both encryption algorithms and network protocols have the potential for the presence of backdoors_. A malicious actor can always figure out the pattern and **infiltrate the encryption** structure. ### Detection Of Backdoor Attacks > “Zero-day phishing URLs have an average lifespan of just 12 hours before they’re added to blocklists. During that window, traditional signature-based filters are blind. Our real-time behavioral analysis catches these threats by pattern, not by signature - which is how we detect attacks that no database has seen yet.” - **Adam Lundrigan**, CTO, DuoCircle Detecting a backdoor is a tedious affair. _It requires considerable time, effort, and skills to identify a backdoor by the IT Security teams_. Detecting backdoors requires sophisticated programs that scan systems and networks. An ideal way to identify their presence is by analyzing the network packets. [Protocol Monitoring](https://www.whatsupgold.com/what-is-network-monitoring) Tools are usually used for the **detection of backdoors**. They observe and analyze the network packets and arrive at inferences based on the findings. ### Prevention From Backdoor Attacks While the ideal scenario would be to eradicate the need for backdoors, most developers create backdoors in products to maintain them properly. These gaps may be taken advantage of by malicious actors who would use it to access the system and, ultimately, the network. The ideal way to prevent the presence of backdoors would be to adhere to [security best practices](/resources/phishing-prevention-best-practices/) and robust **anti-phishing measures**. Effective protocols must be in place which will act as the guiding light. Simple tasks like not trusting every software present in the market, firewalls guarding every system and the entire network, upgrading systems regularly, and continuously monitoring them need to be followed. One can also use application _firewalls that restrict traffic through open ports_. Some of the **best practices** are elaborated on below. #### Awareness On The Backdoor Attack Challenge The first and foremost step that needs to be taken to counter malicious attempts on the system is to train the staff. _Employees are the greatest strength and the weakness of any organization_. Therefore, regular [training and awareness](/products/phishing-awareness-training/) sessions need to be conducted to prevent them from falling prey to **phishing activities**. #### Protection Of Emails ![What is phishing](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/2021/06/what-is-phishing-5478.jpg) The market is flush with email [phishing protection](/) software. Some of the _**best phishing protection** solutions are capable of identifying phishing emails and neutralizing them instantly_. #### Continuous Monitoring The IT Security team has the arduous task of continuously monitoring systems and networks and looking out for signals that may indicate an imminent attack. Such scans can help them **detect backdoors** that may become a gateway to the network’s core and hence a likely target. #### Upgradation Of Systems Most legacy software and hardware cannot cope with modern computing rigors. Moreover, many of them are not even compatible with the **constant security patches** that vendors and manufacturers keep issuing. As a result, these software and hardware systems will, in most cases, fail to respond to current threats and hence, are immensely vulnerable. Therefore, _organizations must invest in state-of-the-art systems_, which will act as a barrier against any illegal attempts to enter the system or network. ### The Victory Backdoor _The Victory Backdoor is one of the most noteworthy incidents uncovered involving a malicious attempt to target entities through a backdoor_. A [Southeast Asian](https://threatpost.com/victory-backdoor-apt-campaign/166700/) government was being kept under constant surveillance through previously unknown malware. ![What is a zero day attack](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/2021/06/what-is-a-zero-day-attack-8476.jpg) The attacks originated through [spear-phishing emails](/blog/spear-phishing-the-spooky-to-compromise-sensitive-information/) and infected Word Documents. The attackers used these files to gain initial access to the network. _The malware also took advantage by exploiting the older vulnerabilities of the Microsoft Office security system_. As researchers have suggested, [Victory Backdoor](https://itease.in/blog/f/victory-backdoor-targeting-southeast-asian-governments), the premise of this malicious exercise, had been under development for three years by a Chinese APT. The attackers sent a series of emails targeting government officials. _They used **spoof emails** resembling legitimate government documents and dispatched from other departments_. As per research reports, the attachment was weaponized to take advantage of the general lack of awareness of the staff and the **network security vulnerabilities**. The Victory Backdoor aimed to steal information while providing constant access to the target. _It can take screenshots, manipulate files, access all sections of the Windows software, and shut the system down_. ### Final Words The Victory Backdoor is a stark example of _how malicious actors use technology to disrupt information systems and networks and cause immense harm_. Therefore, the organization needs to invest time, money, and effort to build **robust prevention** methods and keep valuable information resources secure at all times. ## Topics [ Phishing ](/tags/phishing/) ![Brad Slavin](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/authors/brad-slavin.jpg) [ Brad Slavin ](/authors/brad-slavin/) General Manager Founder and General Manager of DuoCircle. Product strategy and commercial lead across DuoCircle's 2,000+ customer base. [LinkedIn Profile →](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradslavin) ## Protect your inbox from phishing attacks Real-time email security with 60-day free trial. No credit card required. [Start Free Trial](https://portal.duocircle.com/cart.php?a=add&pid=101&brand=phishprotection) [View Pricing](/pricing/) ## Related Articles [ Foundational 5m 0ktapus, Okta Breach Helps Attackers Launch Sophisticated Supply Chain Attacks Sep 5, 2022 ](/blog/0ktapus-okta-breach-helps-attackers-launch-sophisticated-supply-chain-attacks/)[ Foundational 4m 13 Spear Phishing Attacks Examples To Justify Investment For Phishing Prevention Solutions In Your Organization Aug 1, 2019 ](/blog/13-spear-phishing-attacks-examples-to-justify-investment-for-phishing-prevention-solutions-in-your-organization/)[ Foundational 4m All 14 centers of Kettering Health were affected by a massive ransomware attack, Major outage in the Ohio medical center May 23, 2025 ](/blog/14-centers-of-kettering-health-were-affected-by-massive-ransomware-attack-in-ohio-medical-center/)[ Foundational 4m 2021 Phishing Trends You Need To Be Wary Of Aug 2, 2021 ](/blog/2021-phishing-trends-to-be-wary-of/) ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Organization","name":"Phish Protection","url":"https://phishprotection.com","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://phishprotection.com/images/phishprotection-logo.png"},"description":"Advanced phishing protection and email security for businesses. 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