| Before attempting to remove a Trojan, first you | | | | also disguise themselves as software your |
| should understand how a Trojan is able to | | | | computer in reality needs, you could accidentally |
| infiltrate your computer and what damage it can | | | | delete an essential program or system registry |
| do. Trojan's aren't true viruses, as they don't | | | | entry. This could result in your computer not being |
| replicate themselves. A Trojan is malware. | | | | able to boot up. |
| Malware is software that is designed to infiltrate | | | | Signs You May Have a Trojan |
| or damage your computer without your | | | | If you notice any of the following then you could |
| knowledge, which is similar to spyware, adware, | | | | potentially have a Trojan: |
| and viruses also. A Trojan is a stealthy and | | | | - When you're not using the computer for |
| sneaky program that exists to cause damage to | | | | Internet access your computer modem or router |
| you and your computer. | | | | is whirring away, or the lights are blinking like a |
| Some examples of what Trojan's are | | | | Christmas tree |
| programmed to do are: | | | | - Your Internet connection speed has constantly |
| - Erasing or overwriting data on your computer. | | | | slowed to a crawl |
| - Allowing remote access to your computer. | | | | - Your anti-virus and/or anti-spyware have been |
| - Spreading other malware, such as viruses. | | | | deactivated. |
| - Setting up networks of other computers in | | | | - Strange icons appearing on your desktop |
| order to launch DDoS [Distributed Denial of | | | | - Your computer start up speed has reduced |
| Service Attack] or send spam. | | | | alarmingly |
| - Spying on your computer and silently reporting | | | | - You could have a shower in the time it takes to |
| data such as browsing habits to sender of the | | | | open up a file |
| Trojan. | | | | Prevention |
| - Logging keystrokes to steal information such as | | | | Be careful when opening files and especially email |
| passwords, credit card and bank account details. | | | | attachments from people you do and do not |
| - Phishing for bank or other account details, which | | | | know. If in doubt, do not open the file. Using CD's, |
| can be used for criminal activities | | | | USB drives and more likely downloading the |
| - Installing a backdoor on a computer system, so | | | | Trojan, are the most common ways of your |
| your computer can be used without your | | | | computer becoming infected. |
| knowledge or permission | | | | Try not to download movie, music or software |
| - Collecting e-mail addresses and using them for | | | | files that you know are meant to be paid for. |
| spam | | | | Most of all files that are downloaded this way |
| - Deactivating or interfering with anti-virus and | | | | contain Trojans. If other people use your |
| firewall programs | | | | computer educate them too. Ensure they have |
| - Randomly shutting off your computer | | | | user profiles, and that they have restricted |
| How Did A Trojan Infect Your Computer? | | | | profiles if necessary. |
| A Trojan is able to gain access to your computer | | | | Cure |
| because it pretended to be an innocent or helpful | | | | If you find that you have a Trojan, then ensure |
| program, or because you download movies, music | | | | you run your anti-virus and anti-spyware |
| or software illegally. Once the Trojan is activated, | | | | programs. They should be able to remove them. |
| normally by you clicking on it thinking it's a useful | | | | If the Trojan is stubborn, then boot your |
| program, it will start the job it was programmed | | | | computer into safe-mode and run the anti-virus |
| for. | | | | and anti-spyware, this should remove the culprit. |
| It will do this silently in the background without | | | | If this doesn't remove the offending Trojan, then |
| your knowledge and so will often only interfere a | | | | maybe invest in a stronger anti-virus and or |
| little with your computer, choosing to do their | | | | anti-spyware program. A good anti-virus/spyware |
| dirty work while your machine is idle. Computers | | | | program should be able to remove a Trojan |
| left on and connected to the internet while you | | | | program from your computer. |
| are asleep, at work or school are favourite | | | | By following the above suggestions you will stand |
| targets. | | | | a much better chance of preventing your |
| Removing a Trojan can be tricky as they hide | | | | computer from being infected by a trojan, and |
| themselves in the computers registry files and | | | | removing one should you need to. |
| manual deletion is not recommended. Trojans can | | | | |