Viruses are maliciously designed technology software that once activated on your system, copies the state of files and hardware functions and initially corrupt or destroy your system. This is done when the software successfully inserts its code into the area where it was downloaded.
Since the creation of these viruses started, persons have had to deal with many issues including loss of files, malfunctioning system and so many other similar issues.
Businesses on a whole too have had to take a big hit as most times, these viruses are created in a bid to attack businesses for their own selfish gains.
There are thousands of viruses worldwide but which comes in different forms and to achieve a different purpose.
Individuals and businesses alike have had to deal with issues ranging from loss of important files to personal data being accessed by hackers and scammers. They have also in the process loss millions of dollars as a result of these malicious viruses which launch their attack in accessing the financial aspect of these businesses.
The virus is basically common in terms of similarity to a sickness related virus. Once it is downloaded and activated on a particular system, it can be easily transferred across systems that are connected on a single network, sharing of data across systems as well as through removable storage devices.
Though there has been a global thrive in trying to prevent person’s systems from contracting these viruses, the creators are also on a mission to continuously create them and improving their strength against anti viruses that have been created.
They are designed using special coding that assesses the weak entry points of operating systems such as windows that enables them to “hide their way through secretive loopholes” on the system.
Antivirus’s are also designed software (but with good intentions) which when installed on your system and activated, searches for any coding that does not align with the data on your system.
They are able to easily identify all the negative data and successfully clean your system. As noted, there are thousands of viruses created on a daily basis with different missions to accomplish.
Here is a short-compiled list of the most common yet dangerous viruses:
- Malware
- Worms
- Ransomware
- Spyware
- Trojan Horses
- Key loggers
- Rootkits
- Rootkits
- Browser Helper Objects
These are basically the base on which the common viruses are formed such as Code Red, Conficker, Zeus, Creeper, ILoveYou, and Storm Worm. In this article, we will focus on the Trojan software to give a deeper understanding of the malicious virus.
What is a Trojan Virus?
A Trojan which is really known as Trojan horse is a designed computer program that is used to hide its true intention and identity from unknown and suspected users but in a bid to corrupt their system. The story behind its name dates back to an early history of a depicted horse that initially led to the fall of a city known as Troy.
Its initial intentions were not known until the damage was close or already done. Trojan though having the same intention as any other malicious software, (cheating unsuspecting users), it is not easily identified like others.
They can be installed on your system through ways you always work on your system like checking your email, downloading an attachment and opening it. Once it is opened, the coding on the program launches its attack in accessing the most critical part of your system and easily accessing your data.
The virus basically works like a key to opening a lock and having access to the area. The attacker (creator of the software) can easily gain access to any personal information on your systems such as banking details, passwords, or your personal identity.
Most of the Trojan software takes advantage of the loopholes found in older versions of internet access points such as Explorer and Chrome. Once a user’s computer or devices is encrypted with the Trojan, the malicious attacker can use the access point or IP address of the victim to do illegal activities on the internet.
Once traced back to the original contact point, it will highlight your system as the “bad apple” and you can face severe penalties. Trojans are classified as one of the most dangerous viruses that are still able to find its way across your system unknowingly.
Bear in mind, they replicate basically everything you would do on your system, opening an advertisement, checking and downloading an email attachment and so on.
How to prevent Trojan virus from entering your system
It is vitally important for computer and other technology device users to be extremely careful with the way they access the internet and overall use their systems.
As noted earlier in this article, Trojans are known to hide their identity to unsuspecting victims and even when installed, the user may still not easily identify the problem.
However, there are ways that an individual can easily prevent their systems from being corrupted by these viruses. Below are some preventative actions you can use to protect yourself:
1. Install a good antivirus
Anti-viruses are one of the best ways to prevent your system from contracting the Trojan virus. These anti viruses are programs that are created to identify malicious activities and programs that wish to enter your system.
These anti viruses alter the way you use your computer and do an in-depth check and scan of websites, downloaded software and files before you access them and before your system initially accepts it. Anti viruses are created to give computer users ease of use with minimal interference.
2. Continuously update your system and antivirus
Bear in mind Trojan creators are finding ways of upgrading their malicious software on a daily basis thus the end user must ensure they also update their installed antivirus which also upgrades on a regular basis.
Because antivirus es are known to attack older versions of operating systems, you must also ensure your system is updated to the latest version as they too take the necessary actions to improve on the vulnerable access points for these viruses.
3. Do not install programs downloaded from UN-trusted sources
Though the Trojan virus is known for copying the looks of similar programs you use, you must be extra careful not to install from sources you are not sure about. Even for your email attachments, you must ensure you are careful with the way you approach, download and open an email or attachment.
A typical example of how these viruses work is by sending emails that seem legit such as “your password was accessed by unknown users and you must change it now for your safety. Click here to change now and protect yourself”.
The emails from which the mail is sent is also tricky as it is similar to the one you would normally receive emails from. Also, for other programs that you need, if there is no legitimate access to the programs from trusted sites, be careful how you use third-party downloads.
4. Ensure your computer’s firewall is turned on
Firewalls are designed on your computer as a security barrier for your safety. They will quickly scan a particular website or program and once illegal activities are identified on the site, it will bar you from entering. Also, it blocks downloads that are questionable as well as block other activities that are not safe.
5. How to remove Trojan Viruses
Trojan horses once installed on your system through whatever points can and will cause damage to your system. If not careful, you may end up losing all the data on your computer and further damaging your hard drive.
If you want to restore your system, this may be the only option which is to successfully remove the virus or viruses. Based on tests that were done on how to remove, these are the best solutions you can use:
6. Install Malware bytes or Hitman Pro and run a scan
These programs were designed to carefully remove all malicious malware from your system to restore to former use. When installed, you need to run a scan so that they can identify the negative features of your system, highlight them and work to remove them.
They are safe programs that were designed by professional and trusted engineers, but in the process of downloading, ensure you also do this from trusted sites and not all third-party sites.
7. Uninstall unwanted and unknown software and extensions from your computer
You need to access the programs on your system on a regular basis and delete all the strange and unwanted software and extensions that were installed.
This will enable you to remove all the possible threats to your system and also remove any other extensions a particular program and/or software may have in other location.
If you are not sure which one to uninstall, you can do a research to see what are safe and unsafe as well as get further information on the software you don’t know or understand.
8. Restore your computer
When you are certain there may be a virus on your system, and you have downloaded the relevant antivirus and malware removers to clean your system, it is recommended that you restore your computer to former versions.
However, before doing this, ensure all your “safe” data is backed up for easy access when you desire to regain your vital data. Restoring your system will allow unwanted programs to not have any access points or not being able to function efficiently and/or effectively.
Once the restoration is successfully done, you can then installed the latest version of the operating system but only from TRUSTED sites.