"Trojan horse" means a trick or strategy that undermines or defeats an army or organization from within. This phrase has also come to mean a computer virus that is designed to damage the system when the software is activated willingly by a user.

The story of the Trojan horse dates to ancient Greece and originates in Virgin's classic poem, "Aeneid". It is also referenced in Homer's "Odyssey". During the Trojan War between Greece and Troy, a 10 year siege of Troy proved fruitless. The Greeks then built a huge wooden horse outside the gates of Troy, hid soldiers inside, and pretended to sail away. The Trojans believed they had survived the siege and pulled the horse inside the gates as part of their victory celebration. During the night the soldiers crept out of the horse and opened the city gates to the Greek forces which had sailed back under cover of darkness. The Greeks then entered the city and destroyed it, ending the war.

Use Example - With all the cyber attacks in the news, hopefully people are more aware of opening attachments they aren't familiar with and accidentally triggering a Trojan horse.

Source Tags : Mythology  Virgil  Books  Poetry     Concept Tags : False Appearance