Glossary
Trojan
A Trojan is named after the famous wooden horse from Greek mythology. It looks like something good (a free game, useful software, or interesting file) but has malicious code hidden inside. When you install it, you're unknowingly letting hackers into your computer.
What is Trojan?
A Trojan (or Trojan horse) is malware disguised as legitimate software. Unlike viruses, Trojans don't replicate themselves - they trick users into installing them by appearing to be useful programs, games, or files. Once installed, they can steal data, install more malware, or give attackers remote access.
Why Should You Care?
Trojans are one of the most common ways computers get infected. They're often bundled with pirated software, delivered through phishing emails as "invoices" or "reports," or hidden in fake software updates. A single Trojan can lead to total system compromise, data theft, and ransomware.
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Real-World Example
An office manager downloaded what appeared to be a PDF invoice from a supplier. The file was actually a Trojan that installed a remote access tool. Over the next 3 months, attackers watched everything on their screen, captured banking credentials, and eventually stole $125,000 through fraudulent wire transfers.
How to Protect Against Trojan
- 1.
Only download software from official, verified sources
- 2.
Never open attachments from unexpected emails
- 3.
Avoid pirated software - it frequently contains Trojans
- 4.
Keep antivirus software active and updated
Windows Defender or Malwarebytes
- 5.
Verify file extensions - .exe disguised as .pdf is a red flag
- 6.
Use a standard user account, not admin, for daily work
Related Terms
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