In the world of cybersecurity, the term 'trojan horse virus' refers to a type of malicious computer program that often masquerades as legitimate software. Users are typically tricked into loading these 'trojans' onto their own computers by a clever ruse, more often an email attachment or an online ad.

Once activated, trojans can allow cyber-criminals remote access to your computer, making it possible for them to spy on you, steal your sensitive data and gain backdoor access to your system. This guide will delve into the complexities of the trojan horse virus, shed light on how it operates, and provide preventative measures.

What is a Trojan Horse Virus?

A 'trojan horse virus', often simply referred to as a 'trojan', is a type of malware that is often disguised as legitimate software. The term comes from the classic story of the Trojan War, where the Greeks tricked the Trojans into letting in a wooden horse into their city, which contained soldiers who subsequently caused mass havoc.

Types of Trojan Viruses

There are several types of trojan viruses that exist, including: Backdoor Trojans - which open a backdoor on a victim's computer, Remote Access Trojans - which allow the attacker to control the victim's computer, Info-Stealing Trojans - which steal information from the victim's computer, and Distributive Trojans – which infect host files that, when transferred through networks, continue to spread the malware.

How Trojan Horse Viruses Spread

Trojan horse viruses typically spread through some form of Social engineering, for example, where a user is tricked into running an email attachment believed to be a game, only to find out that it has started a chain of activities leading to the computer system being infected with a Trojan Horse.

Effects of a Trojan Virus Infection

If your computer has been infected with a Trojan Horse virus, it could potentially have opened up your system to a variety of issues including slowing down your computer, corrupting files, stealing personal information, or even taking over your entire machine.

Preventing Trojan Virus Infections

There are several steps you can take to protect yourself from Trojan horse virus infections. This includes installing and keeping an up-to-date antivirus program, only downloading software or apps from trusted sources, avoiding clicking on suspicious links or attachments, keeping your operating system and other software updated, and regularly backing up your data.

Trojan Horse Virus Removal

Should your system get infected by a Trojan Horse, certain steps can be taken to remove the infection. This usually involves disconnecting from the internet so as not to spread the virus and running a full system virus scan with an up-to-date antivirus software to identify and eliminate the trojan. However, in severe cases, professional help might be needed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding and prevention of the 'trojan horse virus' is crucial as concerns about cybersecurity continue to rise. With the right knowledge and tools, we can greatly minimize the risk and impact of these malicious computer programs, protecting not only ourselves but ultimately our systems and networks.