What is Trojan and How to Remove It From Your Computer?
A trojan (or trojan horse) is a malicious computer program that is used to infect the target computer’s system and lead to malicious activity on it. Typically, such programs are used to steal personal information, spread other viruses, or simply disrupt computer performance. In addition, hackers can use them to gain unauthorized remote access to infected computers, infect files, and damage the system. As soon as the trojan horse enters the computer, it starts hiding from the victim. Trojans are very similar to common viruses and are therefore difficult to detect. This is why you should rely on reputable anti-virus programs. Initially, trojans are not designed to spread themselves. However, the latest versions have additional components,which can allow their distribution. The activity of each of the trojans depends on the intentions of its author.
The Paths They Use to Enter the System
One part of trojans is capable of spreading independently and infecting the system without the user’s knowledge. Another — must be installed manually on the computer, like any software. In fact, there are four main methods used by such parasites to enter the system.
Many trojans are distributed via e-mail messages , file sharing networks and online chats (such as icq, aim or irc). They can come as helpful attachments, instant messages, links in emails, or additional attachments. These trojans have suspicious names in order for users to discover them. After the user opens such a message, the trojan silently installs itself on the system.
Some trojans can enter the system using a web browser vulnerability. Their authors run unsafe websites filled with malicious code or unsafe advertising messages. Whenever a user visits such a site or clicks on an ad window, malicious scripts instantly install the parasites. The user may not notice anything because the threat does not display any configuration wizards, dialogs or warnings.
Sometimes trojans are installed by other parasites such as worms, backdoors and others . They enter the system without the user’s knowledge or consent, and affect everyone who uses the infected computer. Some threats can be installed manually by malicious computer users who have sufficient privileges to install software. Very few trojans can spread by using remote systems with some security vulnerabilities.
Some trojans are already integrated into specific applications. Even legitimate programs can have undocumented features such as remote access features. The virus that attacks must communicate with the software installed in order to instantly gain full access to the system or take control of a particular program.
Actions That Can Be Caused by a Trojan
Most trojans are capable of causing the following actions:
◾Infecting, overwriting files, hacking the system by deleting critical files or formatting system components and installed applications. They can also destroy your hard drive.
◾Stealing financial data such as credit card numbers, logins, passwords, valuable personal documents and other information.
◾Tracking the user and every key pressed, or capturing the keyboard. The trojan horse can also take screenshots and start other activities to steal information.
◾Send all collected data to a predefined FTP server or transfer it over an internet connection to delete the host.
◾Installing a backdoor or activating custom components to control the infected computer.
◾Launching other dangerous parasites.
◾Performing denial of service (DoS) or other network attacks against specified remote hosts, or sending an excessive number of e-mail messages to flood a predefined computer.
◾Installing a hidden FTP server that can be used by intruders for various illegal purposes.
◾Remove antivirus and other security-related anti-spyware software. The trojan horse can also disable important system services and disable standard system tools.
◾Blocking user access to resources and sites related to security.
◾Displays unwanted ads and pop-ups.
◾Degradation of internet connection and computer speed. It can also reduce the security of the system and cause it to become unstable.
Remove Trojan and Other Cyber Threats
Trojans work in the same way as regular computer viruses, therefore, they must be removed from the computer using reliable software. You should never try to remove a trojan manually because you can lead your machine to serious problems and system crash. In order to be able to scan the system properly and find all dubious harmful components, you must install any of these programs: reimage , spyhunter 5 . They have already been approved that they can detect various trojans and their components.
Keep in mind that sometimes even advanced antivirus programs cannot help in removing a special trojan. Each of these threats is constantly being updated, and sometimes these updates are delivered before antivirus software developers know about it. If one of these recommended tools failed to fix your computer, you can always contact our team for advice.
