PC Security: Trojan
Horse….Greek Myth or Computer Nemesis?
by Ainuddin Mohamad
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 frightening, you receive an email that claims to be
alerting you to a new virus that can threaten your computer.
We have all
heard the term Trojan Horse, but what exactly is it? A Trojan
Horse is a destructive
program that masquerades 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 but instead
introduces 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 frightening, you receive an email that
claims to be alerting you to a new virus that can threaten
your computer. The sender promises to quickly eradicate, or
protect, your computer from viruses if you simply download
their “free”, attached software into your computer. You may be
skeptical but the software looks legitimate and the company
sounds 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 desktop 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 activities), 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
Trojans 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 operating system, this is
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
unauthorized use and access to your computer. A firewall is
not going to eliminate your computer virus problems, but when
used in conjunction with regular operating system updates and
reliable anti-virus software, it can provide additional
security and protection for your computer.
Nothing can
guarantee the security of your computer 100 percent. However,
you can continue to improve your computer's security and
decrease the possibility of infection by consistently
following these guidelines.
About the Author
Ainuddin Mohamad is the Webmaster of
http://www.BestWebsites.com.my which is a Directory of Best Websites. Since
July 2000
BestWebsites.com.my has featured thousands of best websites in many
categories of interest with descriptions/reviews given by leading publications
and webmasters.
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