Define trojan computer virus

At this point additional malware can be installed and sensitive data can be stolen. Trojans can be classified under many different types or composite classifications. A Backdoor Trojan is one that is designed to circumvent authentication, giving remote access to the hacker. A Trojan Ransom, also known as ransomware, can encrypt your data or lock up your system until you pay the criminal. A favorite of cyber criminals is the Trojan Banker, which is designed to steal online banking and credit card information.

A good example of a Trojan Banker is Zeus, also called Zbot. They entitle the malicious hacker to work on the infected computer as per the malicious intentions. They can send, receive, delete and launch files, display data and reboot the computer. Backdoor Trojans are mostly used by hackers to exploit a group of infected computers to form a zombie network or malicious botnet that can be used for criminal purposes.

Exploit Exploit is a type of Trojan that contains a malicious code or data to attack a vulnerable software or application that runs on an infected computer. Trojan-Banker This is a type of trojan developed to extract user's account data, debit or credit card data through online banking systems, e-payment gateway. Trojan-Downloader Trojan-Downloaders as the name suggests, it is developed by hackers to download and install new versions of malicious programs onto the target victim's computer.

Most of the traditional antivirus programs are inefficient to scan all the components this Trojan. They are developed by cyber thieves to obtain money from the target user — in return, in order to detect and remove threats, despite the threats that they report are non-existent in real-time. Trojan Horses generally install on the system as legitimate and useful software that can give unauthorized access and control of the system to the hackers.

Back orifice, Rootkit and Beast Trojan are some of the common Trojan horse which is more harmful. Difference between Virus and Trojan Horse : S. A Virus is a malicious executable code attached to another executable file which can be harmless or can modify or delete data.

Trojan Horse is a form of malware that capture some important information about a computer system or a computer network. The main objective of virus is to modify the information. The main objective of Trojan horse is to steal the information.

It is more harmful. It is less harmful as compared. Antivirus software are used for protection against viruses. They can also "piggyback" on supposedly free programs. Once again, therefore, it is important not to use dubious sources for software downloads such as codec packs or cracked programs, even if you might save a few euros.

The damage that can be caused by Trojans often exceeds the value of the software if it had been purchased through regular channels. Incidentally, a Trojan should not be confused with a virus. Computer viruses reproduce independently, whereas a Trojan is merely a door opener — but with potentially devastating consequences.

Therefore, here is a checklist on how to protect yourself and your devices from Trojans:. The Trojans mentioned here are the best-known types. What they all have in common is that they can only get onto the end device with the help of the user.

However, if you surf the web carefully, do not open email attachments without thinking, and only obtain programs from secure sources, you should be able to avoid these threats. An up-to-date operating system and an always-on virus scanner will protect you even better from Trojans. Kaspersky Internet Security. Detecting ransomware — how encryption Trojans differ. Tips on avoiding phishing. Ransomware protection — how to keep your data safe.

We use cookies to make your experience of our websites better. By using and further navigating this website you accept this. Detailed information about the use of cookies on this website is available by clicking on more information. These actions can include: Deleting data Blocking data Modifying data Copying data Disrupting the performance of computers or computer networks Unlike computer viruses and worms , Trojans are not able to self-replicate.

Types of Trojan Backdoor Trojans They are one of the simplest but potentially most dangerous types of Trojan. Exploit Exploits are programs that contain data or code that take advantage of a vulnerability within an application on your computer. Rootkit Rootkits are designed to conceal certain objects or activities in your system. Banking Trojans Banking Trojans are among the most widespread Trojans. Fake antivirus Trojans Fake antivirus Trojans are particularly insidious. Trojan-GameThief This type of program steals user account information from online gamers.

SMS Trojans They may seem like a relic from another century, yet they are still active and pose a significant threat. Trojan-Mailfinder These programs can harvest email addresses from your computer. Cybercriminals want to cause maximum damage with Trojans If surveillance software is used by the state to track and punish criminal offenses, cybercriminals have exactly the opposite in mind.

In summary: Emotet is considered one of the most destructive and dangerous Trojans. It isn't yet known who is behind Emotet. The damage caused by Emotet runs into the millions. Companies are the main targets. Private users can still be affected if Emotet reads the stored email addresses from address books and adds them to its immense database.