The Trojan Horse - Ambushing Spyware

If you have heard the term "Trojan Horse" but don't understand what is has to do with computing, then read on. A "Trojan Horse" is a destructive piece of malware that fools you into believing that it is a harmless application. Unlike viruses, Trojan Horses do not clone themselves, but they can be just as bad at destroying your computer files and data because they are hard to detect. One of the most aggressive examples of a Trojan Horse malware, is one that promises to scan and get rid of your computer spyware but instead opens up your PC to further infections of malware.

Searching and destroying the Trojan Horse malware can be tricky. Sometimes all it takes online is for you to click on an advertisement pop up claiming to be able to rid of your computer nasties, and bang, your PC downloads a Trojan. Or, even more frightening, is an e-mail that claims to be alerting you to a new virus and an invitation to protect your PC. The sender promises to quickly search and destroy the virus, or protect, your computer from viruses if you click the embedded link to download their %uFFFDfree%uFFFD, attached software into your computer. You may be sceptical at first, but the software looks legitimate and the company sounds reputable. You proceed unaware of the risk and 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 PC to a "never ending list" of infectious malicious software.

Trojan malware is hard to detect because they can lay dormant until something activates them into action such as a date like April fools day. Once activated, numerous things can happen to your computer.

Some Trojans are more annoying than malicious just to cause you frustration. Some Trojans may simply change your desktop settings or pop-up useless ads from an ad-server. The more aggressive 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 activities), and even install a backdoor, a way back into your computer system so that they can come and go as they please without your knowledge.

To protect your computer from Trojans, you can follow these simple guidelines:

1. Remain Diligent: Trojans can infect your computer through rogue web sites, instant messaging, and e-mails with attachments. DO NOT download anything into your computer unless you are 100% confident that it is safe to do so. Do a search on the web to see if there is any reported problems with the item you are downloading.

2. Patch Your Operating System: Ensure that your computer operating system is always patched with the latest and up-to-date fixes. If you are running a Microsoft Windows operating system, this is absolutely essential as most malware exploit the weaknesses in the Windows operating system.

3. Use Anti-Spyware: Install reputable and reliable anti-spyware software. You must also ensure that you have downloaded the most recent updates for the anti-spyware program and do this frequently to catch as many of the new Trojan Horses, viruses, and worms that are flooding the web. Be sure that the anti-virus program that you choose can also scan e-mails and files downloaded through the Internet. Don't leave any holes for malicious software to enter your computer, include DVD disks and USB memory sticks when you scan for malware.

4. Use a Firewall: Install a firewall if your operating system doesn't have one. A firewall prevents unauthorised use and access to your computer. A firewall is not going to fix your computer problems, but when used in conjunction with regular operating system updates and a good anti-spyware program, it can provide additional security and protection for your computer.

Nothing can guarantee the security of your computer 100%. But you can minimise the risk. You must stay vigilant and continually "harden" your computer security with a combination of measures to protect it from the net nasties.