Trojan Scan – Why You Need To Do It
We have all heard the term Trojan horse, but what exactly is it and what can be done about them? A Trojan is a destructive computer program that masquerades as a harmless application. Unlike viruses, Trojan horses do not repeat themselves, but they can be equally devastating. You can find out if your computer is infected by carrying out a Trojan scan using specialist antivirus software.
One of the most dangerous examples of a Trojan program that promises to rid your computer from viruses but instead introduces viruses into the computer.
The Trojan can be a tricky customer. Who has not been on the Internet and seen pop-up advertisements claiming that they can rid of some nasty computer virus? Or, even more frightening, you receive an alert, which claims that you have a new virus that could endanger your computer. The alert promises to quickly eradicate, or protect your computer from viruses if you simply download their "free" software on your computer. You can be sceptical, but the software looks and sounds like a reputable and legitimate company. You begin to take action on their proposals and download software. In doing so, you have just potentially exposed yourself to a potentially catastrophic problem.
When the Trojan is activated, many things can happen. Some Trojans are just more annoying than dangerous. Some less annoying Trojans may choose to change your desktop or add silly icons on the desktop. More serious Trojans can erase or rewrite the data on your computer, corrupt files.
They can also allow the proliferation of other malicious software such as viruses and spyware on a user's computer and secretly report data, such as viewing habits. They can also be used to record keys to steal information such as passwords and credit card numbers, substitution in the bank account (which can be used for criminal activity), and even install backdoors into the computer system so that they can come and go as they please.
To maximize your chances that you're not faced with a Trojan, follow these simple rules:
1. Remain diligent
Trojan horses can infect a computer through rogue websites, instant messaging and e-mails with attachments. Do not download anything to your computer, if you're not 100 per cent confident about its sender or source.
2. Make sure your operating system is always up-to-date. Download updates when prompted. If you are running Microsoft Windows operating system, it is very important.
3. Install reliable anti-virus software. This often comes with anti-Trojan capabilities. It is also important that you download any updates frequently to catch all new Trojan Horses, viruses and worms. Be sure that the antivirus program that you choose has the ability of scanning e-mail and downloaded files through the Internet. Regularly scan for Trojans and other viruses.
4. Consider installing a firewall. The firewall system prevents unauthorized use and access to your computer.
The firewall is not going to eliminate your computer virus problems, but when used in combination with regular operating system updates and reliable anti-virus software, it could provide extra security and protection for your computer.
Nothing can guarantee the security of your computer 100 percent. Nevertheless, you can continue to improve on his computer, security and reduce the possibility of infection consistently following these guidelines. You could be glad that you decided to carry out a Trojan scan.