We have all heard the term trojan horse, but what exatly is it? A trojan horse is a destructive program that masquarades as a harmless application. Unlike viruses,trojan horses do not replicate themselves,but they can be just as destructive. one of the most dangerous examples of a trojan is a program that promises to rid your computer of viruses into your computer.
The trojan can be tricky. Who hasn't been online and had an advertisement pop up claiming to be able to rid your computer of some nasty virus? Or,even more frigthening,you receive an email that claims to be alerting you to a new virus htat can threaten your computerfrom viruses if you simply download their free,attached software into your computer. you may be skeptical but the software looks legimate and the company sound reputable. You proceed to take them up on their offer and download the software. In doing so,you have just potentially exposed yourself to a massive headache and your computer to a laundry list of ailments.
When a trojan is activated numerous things can happen. Some trojans are more annoying than malicious. some of the less annoying trojans may choose to change your dekstop settings or add silly desktop icons. The more serious trojans can erase or overwrite data on your computer,corrupt files,spread other malware such as viruses spy on the user of a computer and secretly report data like browsing habits to other people,log keystrokes to steal information such as passwords and credit card numbers,phish for bank account details (which can be used for criminal activities0,and even install a backdoor into your computer system so that they can come and go as they please.
To increase your odds of not encountering a trojan,follow these guidelines.
1. Remain diligent
trojan can infect your computer through rogue websites,instant messaging,and emails with attachments. Do not download anything into your computer unless you are 100 percent sure of its sender or source.
2. Ensure that your operating system is always up-to-date.
If you are running a microsoft windows oprating system,thisnis essential.
3.Install reliable anti virus software
It is also important that you download any updates frequently to catch all new trojan horses,viruses,and worms. Be sure that the anti virus program that you choose can also scan e-mails and files downloaded through the internet.
4. consider installing a firewall
A firewall is a system that prevents unathorized use and access to your computer. A firewall is not going to eliminate your computer virus problems,but when used in conjuction with regular operating system updates and reliable anti virrrus software,it can provide additional security and protection for your computer.
Nothing can guarante the security of your computer 100 percent. however,you can continue to improve your computers security and decrease the possibility of infection by consistently following these guadilines.
