A Trojan Horse is effectively a type of computer virus that works by imitating something that users might want or find useful, such as music download software or even anti-virus software. This is to encourage computer users to download the Trojan, unknown to them. The user is therefore downloading this piece of malicious software themselves that goes on to attack their computer. These Trojan's will then infect the computer and allow the Trojan's creator to benefit. Typically, Trojan's allow hackers access to your computer; they are able to control your computer from their own meaning they can steal secure information it stores. If you store sensitive information on your computer, such as bank account details and important passwords, then they may be able to gain access to these.
So, if you establish or suspect your computer has been infected with a Trojan, how can you remove it?
There is software that can do this for you. If you have antivirus software (which you should always have installed on your computer) then you can try deleting the Trojan using this. Run a scan, and if the Trojan is detected is should give you an option to delete it. It may appear in a list of suspicious items. Where this is the case, select all the items you feel may be unsafe and delete them using the options available to you.
If you are unable to remove the Trojan using the antivirus software, you can delete it manually if you have a windows computer. First, click on the Start icon in the bottom, left-hand corner of your screen and click on this. A menu will appear, click on 'Control Panel' on the right-hand side of this menu. In the next box that appears click 'Programs'. Underneath Programs and Features in the following box click 'Uninstall a Program'. This will bring up a list of all programs installed on your computer. Here, select the program you wish to delete (the Trojan) and then click 'Uninstall', which is above the list of programs. This will uninstall the Trojan virus. Make sure you do not uninstall any programs that you wish to keep.
In an ideal world your computer won't get infected by a Trojan to begin with. Although you can never 100% guarantee this won't happen, there are things you can avoid to limit the chances. The first one may seem obvious; don't visit websites you are suspicious of, and especially, don't download anything you are unsure of. You should also avoid opening links in emails you are uncertain of, including those claiming to be from banks or government organisations, such as tax authorities. These are two of the most common ways that people contract viruses, including Trojan's.
Does antivirus software prevent your computer from being infected by a Trojan Horse? Yes, it should, but it is not guaranteed. If a Trojan is more advanced that the antivirus software designed to stop it, then you might still get infected. You are, though, much less likely to get infected if you have antivirus software installed, and you should always make sure you are protected and that it performs regular scans.
Andrew Marshall ©
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