How to protect your PC against Trojan Horses

By: Wayne Davis
Submitted: 2009-05-04 17:17:40
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Many people use the terms ‘worm,’ ‘virus,’ and ‘Trojan horse’ on an almost interchangeable basis. While each of these is something you may want to prevent from entering your computer, they are not the same thing, and understanding the difference may be the key to protecting your computer. While all three are concerning, the Trojan horse works much like the mythology it was named for. Initially, it will seem like software that is both helpful and necessary to your computer. Once you have installed it, though, it reveals its true nature and can hurt your operating system.

Why Do People Open A Trojan Horse?

In most cases, people choose to open a Trojan because it looks like they’re getting a legitimate application or file from a very real source that they don’t mind dealing with. Once that file has been activated, though, the problems can begin. From annoying issues like changing the desktop background to deleting files and altering security settings, it’s hard to tell what a Trojan might do from the outset. Because they can actually create holes for other programs to slip through, it is essential that they be removed right away. Fortunately, unlike other problem programs, they can’t replicated themselves or reproduce in any way.

Protecting Your Computer

There are a number of things you can do to fight back against a Trojan horse. The very first step you should take, though, is making sure that the operating system you use is updated. Even if you’re running a fairly old version of Windows, updating as often as possible is absolutely necessary to protecting your computer. Keep in mind that a new Trojan horse can be introduced at any second, and updating as often as security patches are available may help keep you from becoming the first victim of the problem.

In addition to updating your operating system, you also want to update your antispyware solution and your antivirus software on a regular basis. If you haven’t already installed antivirus and antispyware software, you’ll want to do so right away. Keep in mind that while some companies offer both types of programs, they are usually separate programs, and having the protection of just one or the other simply isn’t enough. You need both to be effective. Make sure that you read the reviews of each program you’re evaluating before you choose one to install. Don’t simply take the consumer reviews on the site at face value. Look for independent sites that have fully evaluated each program before you make your final decision. You may also want to investigate the features of each. Sometimes things like automatic updating or virus scan scheduling can be very helpful features.

As important as it is to have strong antivirus protection and a good antispyware solution, a firewall can also often help protect your computer from Trojans. Firewalls come in both hardware and software format, and both are fairly effective. As with the other products in your security suite, however, make sure you do your research before you settle on the right solution to best meet your needs.

In addition to the giving your computer the right tools, a bit of restraint on your part may be necessary as you try to protect your computer. Visit only safe websites. Those that look as if they might be a bit on the shady side probably are, and they’re a good place to pick up Trojans. Additionally, don’t download anything unless you’re sure of the source. Whether it’s a PDF file or a free ringtone, it could be a Trojan, and once it’s opened, your system may be compromised. Pop ups can also be problematic. You may want to install a pop up blocker to deal with them, but more than that, if you do see them, avoid them. Keep in mind that they can look like typical advertising pop ups or system notification balloons, so understand the difference between the two. Trojans can use very authentic looking tools to help convince you to click on the advertisement.

Websites, though, aren’t the only places you might pick up a Trojan. You can also find one via email, and exhibiting safe email behaviors is also necessary to help protect your computer. You can start by avoiding emails where you’re not sure of the sender. Just delete the email without opening. If your system has an email preview pane, you may want to disable that feature. Additionally, don’t open any attachments if you are unsure of the source. They are often a harbinger for Trojans.

Trojans can be quite dangerous. However, the right software and the right behaviors can help you protect your machine. If you think you may have a Trojan on your system, it’s best to find a reliable security scanner immediately to remedy the problem.

Article source: Expert Articles