Here’s What You Need To Know About Trojans

Trojans, frequently referred to as viruses, are unique malware that can hide inside legitimate programs or files. You can think of them as unwanted passengers waiting to access your device.

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.

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 are different from other malware forms because you install them, either by downloading a file or accepting a pop-up that then 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 data, which may include your bank account information, credit card number, 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 connected devices that hackers have infected with malware. The cybercriminals control them remotely while they remain out of sight. These Trojans convert your device and bring it into their botnet network.
• 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 Trojans, these 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 its 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 codes that use vulnerabilities inside an application. Zero-day attacks often use exploits to attack a system.
• Downloader/dropper Trojans: Downloaders use a network to draw 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 looks for email addresses located on your device. It can use those addresses to forward spam and malware.

How to prevent Trojan attacks

The best way to prevent Trojan attacks is to keep a few things in mind. First of all, if something seems too good to be true, like an offer for free software, it’s most likely deceptive.

Don’t click on unfamiliar links or open email attachments that look strange or are from someone you don’t know.

Using 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 stopping intrusive pop-ups that often carry malware with them.

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 takes your device offline, which may prevent malware from continuing to communicate with other servers and devices and stop the spread.
2. Install/run antivirus: If you don’t have antivirus, you should 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. Here are our favorite antivirus software choices to prevent Trojans from accessing your data:

Norton 360: Norton 360 is compatible with most devices and comes loaded with extra security features like a password manager and a secure virtual private network (VPN).

Get Norton 360 | Read Our Norton 360 Review

TotalAV: TotalAV provides protection against zero-day scans and includes phishing and ransomware security. It also comes with extras like an ad blocker and password manager.

Get TotalAV | Read Our TotalAV Review

McAfee: A trusted name in antivirus for years, McAfee offers effective malware protection. It also includes features like parental controls and identity theft protection.

Get McAfee | Read Our McAfee Review

FAQs

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 updated. Even if you’re already infected, your antivirus can find the culprit and delete it, minimizing the damage it can do.

Whether you choose a budget-friendly program or a cybersecurity bundle, your best defense against Trojans is always antivirus software and good judgment.

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Author Details

Patti Croft

About the Author

Patti Croft is a seasoned writer specializing in technology, with three years of experience. With a B.S. in Computer Science and a background as a technical analyst and security specialist, she covers a range of topics like data security and parental control software.