What is Trojan and How to Prevent This Type of Virtual Attack?

The trojan, or Trojan horse, is one of the most common malicious programs. It accesses your device disguised as a regular, legitimate program. Its role is to enable the opening of a “door” so that malicious users can invade your computer.

We recently published a series of articles on digital threats like adware, malware, and spyware and showed you their risks and how to protect yourself from them. In this post, we are going to introduce you to Trojan-type malicious software, in addition to giving you tips on how to deal with it.

What is Trojan?

The trojan does not classify itself as a virus or worm, as the virus infects files and can self-replicate by spreading as an attachment to another program. Worms are malware close to the virus, but they do not necessarily have to be associated with another program to spread.

The Trojan horse, on the other hand, is characterized as a generic term for the delivery of malware, as there are several types of Trojans. It is a program that simulates some useful functionality for you. In fact, it is hiding a program that can bring infections to your computer and open doors to allow intrusions to, for example, steal user passwords. Its main form of propagation is through the internet when downloading a free tool.

Infection Methods

Trojans can impersonate any type of file, such as software, MP3s, browser ads, and even mobile applications. Below we list four user behaviors that can lead to your computer being infected:

1. Download cracked files. Promises of an illegal free copy, however attractive, can hide a trojan attack.

2. Download free programs. What looks like a free game may actually be a Trojan, especially if you find it on an unreliable site, such as torrent repositories;

3. Open and interact with unknown emails. If you receive an email from a strange sender that has an important attachment, such as an invoice or delivery receipt, do not click on it;

4. Access suspicious websites. In some cases, just accessing a website can infect your computer. Others use tricks like movie streaming to download a video codec, which is actually a Trojan.

Types of  Trojans

Most Trojans have the function of controlling users' computers, stealing data, spying on users, or proliferating more malware on the victim's machine. Below we list the most common types of threats that come from a Trojan attack:

Backdoors - generate remote access to the system, changing security to allow the hacker to maintain control over the device in order to steal data or insert even more malware.

Spyware - watch your actions while you access online accounts or enter your credit card details to send your data to the hacker.

Zombifying Trojans - manipulate your computer in order to make you a “slave”, under the control of a hacker.

Downloader Trojans - download and implement other malicious software such as ransomware or keyloggers.

How to Remove a Trojan?

The fastest and most practical way to remove it through total security that can detect and clean Trojans. There is also the option to remove it manually, but care must be taken to remove all programs on your computer that are affiliated with the trojan.

How to Prevent Infections?

Maintaining good security habits is essential for keeping malicious software away from your devices. In addition, always be wary of sites that offer free movies and games, as they are the most "irresistible" gimmicks for the user.

Another precaution is to change the default settings of windows so that the actual extensions of the applications are always visible. This saves you from being fooled by an innocent-looking icon. Other tips that we can quote are: always keep your device up to date, configuring automatic updates, avoid accessing insecure or suspicious sites, using complex passwords, and using a firewall.