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Trojan Virus

Trojan Virus

Trojan Virus

What is a Trojan Virus?

Trojans are malicious programs that perform actions that have not been authorized by the user. These actions can include:

  • Deleting data
  • Blocking data
  • Modifying data
  • Copying data
  • Disrupting the performance of computers or computer networks

Unlike computer viruses and worms , Trojans are not able to self-replicate.

How Trojans can impact you

Trojans are classified according to the type of actions that they can perform on your computer:

  • Backdoor
    A backdoor Trojan gives malicious users remote control over the infected computer.  They enable the author to do anything they wish on the infected computer - including sending, receiving, launching, and deleting files, displaying data, and rebooting the computer.  Backdoor Trojans are often used to unite a group of victim computers to form a botnet or zombie network that can be used for criminal purposes.
     
  • Exploit
    Exploits are programs that contain data or code that takes advantage of a vulnerability within application software that's running on your computer.
     
  • Rootkit
    Rootkits are designed to conceal certain objects or activities in your system.  Often their main purpose is to prevent malicious programs being detected - in order to extend the period in which programs can run on an infected computer.
     
  • Trojan-Banker
    Trojan-Banker programs are designed to steal your account data for online banking systems, e-payment systems, and credit or debit cards.
     
  • Trojan-DDoS
    These programs conduct DoS (Denial of Service) attacks against a targeted web address.  By sending multiple requests - from your computer and several other infected computers - the attack can overwhelm the target address... leading to a denial of service.
     
  • Trojan-Downloader
    Trojan-Downloaders can download and install new versions of malicious programs onto your computer - including Trojans and adware.
     
  • Trojan-Dropper
    These programs are used by hackers in order to install Trojans and / or viruses - or to prevent the detection of malicious programs.  Not all antivirus programs are capable of scanning all of the components inside this type of Trojan.
     
  • Trojan-FakeAV
    Trojan-FakeAV programs simulate the activity of antivirus software.  They are designed to extort money from you - in return for the detection and removal of threats... even though the threats that they report are actually non-existent. Similar to the CryptoLocker virus, or other Ransomware.
     
  • Trojan-GameThief
    This type of program steals user account information from online gamers. Stealing World of Warcraft accounts is popular with this type of Trojan.
     
  • Trojan-IM
    Trojan-IM programs steal your logins and passwords for instant messaging programs - such as ICQ, MSN Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo Pager, Skype, and many more.
     
  • Trojan-Ransom
    This type of Trojan can modify data on your computer - so that your computer doesn't run correctly or you can no longer use specific data.  The criminal will only restore your computer's performance or unblock your data, after you have paid them the ransom money that they demand (CryptoLocker).
     
  • Trojan-SMS
    These programs can cost you money - by sending text messages from your mobile device to premium rate phone numbers.
     
  • Trojan-Spy
    Trojan-Spy programs can spy on how you're using your computer - for example, by tracking the data you enter via your keyboard, taking screen shots, or getting a list of running applications.
     
  • Trojan-Mailfinder
    These programs can harvest email addresses from your computer.
     
  • Other types of Trojans include:
    • Trojan-ArcBomb
    • Trojan-Clicker
    • Trojan-Notifier
    • Trojan-Proxy
    • Trojan-PSW

How to protect yourself against Trojans

By installing effective anti-malware software, you can defend your devices - including PCs, laptops, Macs, tablets, and smartphones - against Trojans. A rigorous anti-malware solution should help combat Trojan attacks on your PC's, Macs, or Mobile devices.

  • Windows PCs
  • Linux computers
  • Apple (Macs, iPhone and iPad)
  • Smartphones
  • Tablets

Information Security