The Zeus Trojan, also known as Zbot, is a well-known and notorious type of malware that primarily targets financial institutions and online banking users. It is a type of Trojan horse malware that is designed to steal sensitive information, such as login credentials, credit card details, and other personal and financial information, from infected computers. The Zeus Trojan is known for its sophisticated and adaptable nature, making it one of the most significant threats in the realm of cybercrime.

Key characteristics and aspects of the Zeus Trojan include:

1. Propagation: The Zeus Trojan typically spreads through malicious email attachments, compromised websites, or drive-by downloads. Once a computer is infected, the malware installs itself stealthily to avoid detection.
2. Keylogging and Form Grabbing: One of the primary functions of Zeus is its ability to capture keystrokes and monitor user activity. This includes logging keystrokes entered by the user and capturing information entered into web forms, such as login credentials and credit card details.
3. Remote Command and Control (C&C): Zeus establishes a connection with a remote command and control server controlled by the attacker. This allows the attacker to issue commands, update the malware, and retrieve stolen data.
4. Web Injection: Zeus can modify web pages in real-time to inject malicious content or alter the appearance of online banking websites. This technique tricks users into providing their sensitive information to the attackers.
5. Botnet Formation: Infected computers become part of a botnet, a network of compromised machines controlled by a central command server. This botnet structure allows attackers to scale their operations and coordinate attacks more effectively.
6. Variants and Customization: Zeus has been continuously evolved and customized by different cybercriminal groups. This has led to the creation of various Zeus variants with different functionalities, targeting specific industries or regions.
7. Advanced Evasion Techniques: The malware employs various evasion techniques to avoid detection by security software, making it challenging for traditional antivirus programs to identify and remove it.
8. Legal Action and Mitigation: Over the years, law enforcement agencies and security researchers have taken actions against Zeus-related operations. However, due to its adaptability and profitability, Zeus variants continue to emerge.
9. Financial Fraud and Data Theft: The primary goal of the Zeus Trojan is financial gain. Stolen data is often used for various forms of financial fraud, including unauthorized bank transfers, identity theft, and more.
10. Security Best Practices: To defend against the Zeus Trojan and similar threats, users and organizations are advised to maintain updated security software, practice safe browsing habits, avoid opening suspicious attachments, and regularly update their operating systems and applications.

Zeus Trojan attacks have had significant impacts on individuals and organizations, leading to financial losses, compromised personal information, and reputational damage. As with all forms of malware, staying informed about the latest threats and implementing strong cybersecurity practices is essential for protecting against threats like the Zeus Trojan.