Here’s What You Need To Know About Trojans

Trojans are a type of malware that can hide inside legitimate programs or files. You can think of them as unwanted passengers waiting to access your device. The main vectors for Trojans include phishing emails, fake software downloads, malicious attachments, and drive-by downloads.

Since Trojans move around inside apps and files, they are sometimes almost impossible to detect. They can be dodgy, so you’ll want the best antivirus software to scrub all your files and find these hidden pests.

We’ll guide you through the various ways Trojan malware can attack, and give you actionable steps to avoid them, keeping your device safe from these malicious invaders. 

What is a Trojan?

If you think you’re too tech savvy to get attacked by a Trojan, you should know they’re masters at the art of camouflage. Trojan malware hides within a harmless program or file so it can get to your device. The top vector for Trojans is phishing, in which you unknowingly click a malicious link in an email that appears legitimate but isn't.

A single legitimate source delivers the Trojan, so it’s often on your computer before you know what happened, putting your sensitive data at risk.

Trojans differ from other malware because you install them by downloading a file or by accepting a pop-up that installs the malware.

Although a Trojan might not spread throughout your device like other malware, since you don’t know you’ve installed it, hackers may have time to do plenty of damage before you realize there’s a problem.

What do Trojans do?

Cybercriminals use these malicious programs to steal your data and, in many cases, your finances. The entire reason for a Trojan’s existence is to perform malicious acts, which is why knowing how to stay safe online can help keep your sensitive information secure.

Trojans ride in unannounced, hiding in plain sight, and then go to work attacking your device. Here are a few of the ways they can wreak havoc:

• Breaching data: Trojans are designed to steal your sensitive information, including bank account details, credit card numbers, or private files.
• Data destruction: There are specific Trojans that delete files and corrupt data. Some of these malicious programs even reformat hard drives.
• Botnet recruitment: Botnets are networks of infected devices that hackers use to carry out attacks. The cybercriminals control them remotely while they remain out of sight. These Trojans compromise your device and add it to their botnet.
• Espionage: This type of Trojan is a watcher of sorts. It monitors all your activities and can record keystrokes and even take screenshots to get your sensitive data without your knowledge.

Common types of Trojans

Not all Trojans are created equal. There are different types, which is why knowing how to remove Trojans isn’t always easy. Below are some of the types that might try to attack your device.

• Backdoor Trojans: One of the most dangerous types of Trojans, they can install various types of malware onto your device as a gateway. It can allow botnets to be set up, using your computer as part of their malicious network.
• Rootkit: These Trojans conceal activities in your system. They are designed to prevent malware from getting discovered, which is another reason you need a good defense, even if it’s free antivirus software.
• Exploit: These programs include code that uses vulnerabilities inside an application. Zero-day attacks often exploit vulnerabilities in a system.
• Downloader/dropper Trojans: Downloaders use a network to download malware from another source. Droppers already contain malware, but hackers can update both of them remotely without your knowledge.
• Banking Trojans: These are widespread and offer hackers easy access to your money. They trick you into giving out your credentials and then steal your finances.
• DDoS Trojans: Distributed denial-of-service attacks use a server or network to send repeated requests, typically via a botnet. This attack can shut down websites and networks.
• Fake antivirus Trojans: These Trojans can cause trouble by sending fake virus findings. They rely on you panicking, so they can get you to buy what you think is an antivirus solution. Instead, they are downloading malware.
• Trojan-Spy: These programs monitor your activities by taking screenshots or recording your keystrokes.
• Trojan-Mailfinder: This malware searches your device for email addresses. It can use those addresses to forward spam and malware.

5 tips to prevent Trojan attacks

Using an antivirus will always be one of the best ways to prevent a Trojan from infecting your device. The best malware removal tools can give you an additional layer of digital security. Ad blockers are also great for blocking intrusive pop-ups that often carry malware. 

Tips for preventing Trojan attacks:

1. Don't click unfamiliar links or open unexpected email attachments.
2. Only download software from official or well-known sources — free software offers are a common Trojan lure.
3. Use an ad blocker to prevent malicious pop-ups from triggering downloads.
4. Keep your operating system and software up to date to close known vulnerabilities.
5. Run antivirus software with real-time protection enabled.

Remember, phishing emails are a big vector for Trojans. If something seems too good to be true, like an offer for free software, it’s most likely deceptive.

How to get rid of Trojans

Even with the best prevention, Trojans can sneak up on you. If your device has been infected, there are some steps you should take immediately to get rid of the malware:

1. Disconnect your device. Disconnecting your computer from the internet puts it offline, which may prevent malware from continuing to communicate with other servers and devices and stop its spread.
2. Install/run antivirus. If you don’t have antivirus software, install a reputable program and run a full scan. Antivirus software can detect and remove Trojans.
3. Delete infected files. Once you run a full scan, delete any malicious files your antivirus finds.
4. Update your system. When you run updates for your device and software, you’ll install patches that protect against future attacks.

Best antivirus software for Trojans

There are numerous antivirus programs on the market, but not all of them are as effective as others. When looking for the best antivirus solutions, consider software that focuses on evolving threats and phishing protection. Here are our favorite antivirus software choices to prevent Trojans from accessing your data.

Bottom line

Trojans are versatile and can be destructive to your device and your private data. You can prevent them by using caution when online and not installing random software.

One of the best ways to avoid Trojans is to use a reliable antivirus program and keep your software up to date. Even if you’re already infected, your antivirus can detect and delete the culprit, minimizing the damage it can cause.

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