Viruses trojan horses

See all Performance articles. Is it Malware or Virus? What is a Trojan Horse? Link copied. This article contains:. What is a Trojan? What do Trojans do? Some of the common actions that Trojans take are: Creating backdoors: Trojans typically make changes to your security system so that other malware or even a hacker can get in. What does a Trojan look like? Get an antivirus It should be fairly obvious at this point, but the best way to identify malware — and to prevent infections in the first place — is with a strong, reliable antivirus like AVG AntiVirus FREE.

What is Spyware? Worm vs. Virus: What's the Difference? How Secure Is My Phone? How Safe Is Bitcoin, Really? Is the Year We Save the Internet? More helpful tips Free install. A Trojan virus, similarly, can be a good way to get behind an otherwise tight set of defenses. The Trojan horse appeared to be a legitimate gift. In a similar vein, a Trojan virus looks like legitimate software. How Do Trojans Work?

Most Common Types of Trojan Malware. The most common types of Trojan used include: Backdoor Trojan : A backdoor Trojan enables an attacker to gain remote access to a computer and take control of it using a backdoor. This enables the malicious actor to do whatever they want on the device, such as deleting files, rebooting the computer, stealing data, or uploading malware.

A backdoor Trojan is frequently used to create a botnet through a network of zombie computers. It attempts to steal account data for credit and debit cards, e-payment systems, and online banking systems.

Distributed denial-of-service DDoS Trojan : These Trojan programs carry out attacks that overload a network with traffic. It will send multiple requests from a computer or a group of computers to overwhelm a target web address and cause a denial of service. Downloader Trojan : A downloader Trojan targets a computer that has already been infected by malware, then downloads and installs more malicious programs to it.

This could be additional Trojans or other types of malware like adware. Exploit Trojan : An exploit malware program contains code or data that takes advantage of specific vulnerabilities within an application or computer system. The cyber criminal will target users through a method like a phishing attack, then use the code in the program to exploit a known vulnerability.

Fake antivirus Trojan : A fake antivirus Trojan simulates the actions of legitimate antivirus software. The Trojan is designed to detect and remove threats like a regular antivirus program, then extort money from users for removing threats that may be nonexistent. Game-thief Trojan : A game-thief Trojan is specifically designed to steal user account information from people playing online games.

Infostealer Trojan : This malware can either be used to install Trojans or prevent the user from detecting the existence of a malicious program.

The components of infostealer Trojans can make it difficult for antivirus systems to discover them in scans. This Trojan can give an attacker full control over your computer via a remote network connection. Its uses include stealing your information or spying on you. A rootkit aims to hide or obscure an object on your infected computer. The idea? To extend the time a malicious program runs on your device.

This type of Trojan infects your mobile device and can send and intercept text messages. Texts to premium-rate numbers can drive up your phone costs. This Trojan takes aim at your financial accounts. That includes banking, credit card, and bill pay data. Trojan malware attacks can inflict a lot of damage. At the same time, Trojans continue to evolve. Here are three examples. They can also impact your mobile devices, including cell phones and tablets.

In general, a Trojan comes attached to what looks like a legitimate program. In reality, it is a fake version of the app, loaded up with malware. Cybercriminals will usually place them on unofficial and pirate app markets for unsuspecting users to download.

In addition, these apps can also steal information from your device, and generate revenue by sending premium SMS texts.

One form of Trojan malware has targeted Android devices specifically. The result? Cybercriminals could redirect traffic on the Wi-Fi-connected devices and use it to commit various crimes. Trojans take their name from the hollow wooden horse that the Greeks hid inside of during the Trojan War. The Trojans, thinking the horse was a gift, opened their walled city to accept it, allowing the Greeks to come out of hiding at night to attack the sleeping Trojans.

All rights reserved. Firefox is a trademark of Mozilla Foundation. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Alexa and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon. Microsoft's FrontPage Web publishing software can turn your PC into a poorly secured Web server that lets hackers implant Trojan horse software in your computer. A firewall can block many kinds of attacks directed at a poorly secured PC but it cannot stop them all.

Ultimately, PC security depends on personal vigilance. This is what you need to do:. Office of Information Services. This is what you need to do: Install virus protection software on your PC.