What is a Computer Trojan and its Side Effects?
Updated on October 21, 2022, by Xcitium
A computer Trojan, also called a Trojan horse, is a type of malware that disguises itself as legitimate software to trick users into installing it. Once activated, a Trojan can steal sensitive data, spy on users, give hackers remote access, or download additional malware onto the infected device. Unlike viruses, Trojans do not self-replicate.
What is a Computer Trojan are two things in mind when you say the words “Trojan horse.” First, it’s a tale from Greek mythology. Secondly, it’s a cyber threat that every single security expert takes very seriously.
This threat, just like in the tale, pretends to be useful, peaceful, and innocent. Once you accept and run the computer Trojan onto your system, it’ll start to perform its destructive and illegal mission – hiding data or files, spying, and keyloggers. A computer Trojan is different from an ordinary computer virus. It can not replicate itself and spread without interaction with the computer user.
What Is a Trojan? Quick Facts
| Feature | Trojan Malware |
|---|---|
| Malware Type | Malicious software |
| How It Spreads | Tricks users into downloading/installing |
| Self-Replicating? | No |
| Main Goal | Steal data, create backdoors, spy on users |
| Disguised As | Legitimate apps, files, updates, emails |
| Common Delivery Methods | Phishing emails, fake software, malicious downloads |
| Risk Level | High |
How Does a Trojan Work?
- A cybercriminal disguises malware as legitimate software.
- The user downloads or opens the infected file.
- The Trojan installs silently on the device.
- The malware creates unauthorized access to the system.
- Attackers steal data, monitor activity, or deploy additional malware.
Different Computer Trojans for Specific Purposes
A computer Trojan can act differently based on what the cyber criminal programmed them for. In addition, they’re very hard to track once it’s already working behind your knowledge. It can lead to several problems that are very hard to solve. Here are the common and popular types of computer Trojan that you might encounter in the Internet:
Backdoor Trojan
This computer Trojan allows a back door for a user to access a victim’s system at a later time
Infostealer
Just like how its name suggest, this computer Trojan has the ability to steal information from the victim’s computer such as passwords, files, banking details, or even identity.
Downloader
This Trojan downloads leering software and causes damage to the victim’s computer system.
Remote Access Trojan (RAT)
This can be hidden in games or other programs of a smaller variety and give the attacker control of the victim’s computer.
Data Sending Trojan
This gives the cyber criminal sensitive information like passwords or other information programmed to be hijacked.
Destructive Trojan
This computer Trojan’s goal is to destroy the victim’s files.
Proxy Trojan
As a proxy server, this permits the cyber criminal to take over the victim’s computer. Then, they’ll be able to conduct illegal activities from the victim’s computer.
Common Types of Trojan Malware
Banking Trojan
Steals banking credentials and financial information.
Remote Access Trojan (RAT)
Allows hackers to remotely control infected devices.
Downloader Trojan
Downloads additional malware onto a system.
Spy Trojan
Monitors user activity and steals sensitive information.
Ransom Trojan
Locks files or systems and demands payment.
Trojan vs Virus vs Worm
| Feature | Trojan | Virus | Worm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Requires User Action | Yes | Usually | No |
| Self-Replicates | No | Yes | Yes |
| Disguised as Legitimate Software | Yes | No | No |
| Spreads Automatically | No | Sometimes | Yes |
| Main Purpose | Theft, spying, backdoor access | Infection and corruption | Rapid network spread |
Signs Your Computer Has a Trojan
- Slow system performance
- Frequent crashes or freezes
- Unknown applications running
- Unauthorized pop-ups
- Browser redirects
- Disabled antivirus software
- Unusual network activity
The Abilities of a Computer Trojan
Weird Messages and Pop-ups
Do you notice that your computer is showing you all sorts of pop-ups and messages? It doesn’t matter if it’s an advertisement or a message saying your PC is infected. You can sure now that you starting to feel the computer Trojan. You may have contracted a fake antivirus or a spyware onto your system.
Extremely Slow Computer
If you think that having too many files and running multiple applications all the same time can slow down the computer, it’s not the only cause. A computer Trojan can also cause that slowness because it must be using many resources.
You Can’t Connect to the Internet
One of the computer Trojan is a slow Internet. Many times, you might not be able to connect to it either. When you know that everyone else in the house or office can connect, be warned. That’s one of the Trojan horse virus symptoms. When you already have it on your computer, the computer Trojan could be connecting to a URL or opening separate connection sessions. Because of that, it decreases the available bandwidth or it makes it hopeless to connect to the Internet.
Apps aren’t Working at All
An application you really need isn’t working at all after minor troubleshooting must be one of the computer Trojan effects. Some programs can work but some of your programs is won’t. You should go check all of your security tools and system to be sure.
Malicious Windows
Are there unwanted windows and browsers that display pages? This is a strong indication of a Trojan horse virus symptoms. The unwanted redirection of traffic to another deceitful website. This can trick you to use a fake website which you won’t notice at all.
Incomprehensible Language
Your computer language suddenly changed without you changing it. It’s a giveaway computer Trojan symptom. Your screen can also show back-to-front and other strange activities can tell you that you have an infected computer system.
Your Antivirus Gone and Firewall Disabled
It’s not only files that can disappear in your computer, your antivirus and firewall functions can be turned off during the Trojan horse virus attacks. This makes your computer a lot more vulnerable to cyber attacks. A serious computer security issue is already happening and you.
Are Your Files Missing?
This is one of the scariest Trojan horse virus symptoms. Your important files that are missing might have been manipulated by a Trojan virus. The Trojan horse can delete or encrypt information, or move your files to another place. You should be worried when this thing happens to you.
Summary
Xcitium a computer Trojan is undoubtedly dangerous when it takes over your computer system. A good antivirus and security strategy is important in every business and ordinary user. Protect yourself for the convenience that computer Trojan can give in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Trojan a virus?
No. A Trojan is a type of malware, but unlike a virus, it does not self-replicate. Trojans rely on tricking users into installing malicious software.
Can a Trojan steal passwords?
Yes. Many Trojans are designed to steal passwords, banking information, and personal data.
How do Trojans infect computers?
Trojans commonly spread through phishing emails, fake downloads, malicious ads, and infected software.
Can antivirus software remove Trojans?
Yes. Modern antivirus and endpoint protection tools can detect and remove most Trojan infections.
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