How to Use a Trojan Horse

In ancient times, the Trojans used their wooden horse as a way to breach the castle walls of the enemy. Since then, "combat" and competition have become abstracted. In the modern business world, the prize is information, and a trojan horse would most likely be some kind of listening device used to obtain secrets from a competitor. However, the time-tested idea remains the same, and sometimes, contrary to the old proverb, it's best to look a gift horse in the mouth.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Get personnel to represent the company and place the trojan horse. These persons will be responsible for logistics. Brief them on the situation as needed and explain roles.
2. Surround your trojan horse device with a display of generosity, perhaps a large basket of brightly colored flowers.
3. Find some pretext for your "horse-carriers" to enter the competitor's offices. Book them as attendants of some large and chaotic event to be held in a room with access to other rooms in the building.
4. Give your carriers a cover. Arranging a substantial cover purpose for your carriers distracts the competitors from analyzing them when they enter the building. Make up some false prospect or issue that carriers can use to occupy the competition while they drop off the trojan horse. It helps to do rehearsals with the staff to see what problems may arise.
5. Be available while the operation is going on to help out with troubleshooting and for moral support. An absentee is less trusted by his/her support personnel.

Tips & Warnings

• Research all applicable laws. If you have determined to use a trojan horse technique, you're already on shaky moral ground as it is. Don't venture into territory that makes you vulnerable to a lawsuit. This means knowing what kinds of secret audio tapings are legal, and what can or cannot be used in court. If you find that your trojan horse is in violation of ANY known laws, either municipal, federal or state, do not proceed with your plan. Find some other way to advance your goals that will not destroy your credibility.
• Don't become the victim of a 'reverse trojan horse'. Information-grabbing technologies are everywhere, from spycams and spyware on your computer, to hench people with camera phones lurking outside your window. Before you start snooping on others, take a look at your own house. When it comes to trojan horses, sometimes the best offense is a good defense.