What is Trojan Horse Virus? Symptoms and Removal Methods

In the world of cyber security, the Trojan horse virus is a dangerous threat. This sneaky software infiltrates computers by tricking users and causes serious damage. The question of what is a Trojan horse virus is critical for anyone who cares about their digital security. These viruses allow malicious people to secretly access systems and steal sensitive information.

In this article, we will examine in detail what Trojan horse viruses are and how they work. We will also discuss the different types and symptoms of these viruses, also known as trojans. This topic, which also covers advanced attack methods such as botnets, is of great importance in terms of cyber security. Finally, we will share protection and removal methods from Trojan horse viruses.

What is the Trojan Horse Virus?

Trojan Horse Virus Description

The Trojan horse virus is a significant threat in the field of computer security. This malware often fools users by masquerading as a legitimate programme. Also known as a Trojan, this virus takes its name from the story of the Trojan horse in ancient Greek mythology. The Trojan horse virus is designed to infiltrate and damage computers.

This virus, unlike other malware, cannot replicate by itself. Instead, it infects the computer as a result of the user’s action. Once in the system, the Trojan horse virus can perform various harmful activities. For example, it can steal sensitive information, delete files or take control of the computer.

History of the Trojan Horse Virus

The term Trojan horse was first used in the context of computer security in 1974 in a US Air Force report. This report discussed possible ways in which the security of computers could be compromised. Since then, trojan horse viruses have become a significant threat in the field of cyber security.

Over time, trojan horse viruses have become more complex and dangerous. Today, these viruses are one of the most frequently used tools of cybercriminals. They are used in various malicious activities such as creating botnets, identity theft, and financial fraud.

Working Principle of Trojan Horse Virus

Trojan horse virus enters the system by tricking the user. It is usually spread through email attachments, fake websites or freeware. When the user opens a seemingly harmless file or runs a programme, the trojan horse virus infects the computer.

Once inside the system, the trojan horse virus works in a clandestine manner. It can perform various harmful activities without the user’s knowledge. For example, it can steal personal information, degrade the computer’s performance, or allow other malware to be downloaded.

A Trojan horse virus can create a backdoor in the computer, allowing cyber criminals to access the system remotely. This can lead to the user’s computer becoming part of a botnet and being used in other cyber attacks.

Trojan Horse Virus Types

Back Door Trojan Horse

Backdoor Trojan is a serious threat to cyber security. This type of trojan virus allows attackers to remotely control the infected device. In this way, attackers can steal data, monitor user activity and distribute additional malware. Backdoor Trojans are often used to create botnets. This allows attackers to control a network of compromised devices without the user’s knowledge.

Rootkit

Rootkit trojans hide deep in the system, running with or before the operating system. This feature makes them very difficult to detect and remove. Rootkits are designed to hide specific objects or activities in the system. Their main purpose is to prevent malware from being detected and extend the time they can run on an infected computer.

Banking Trojan Horse

Banking Trojan horse targets online banking transactions. This type of trojan virus aims to hijack credit card information and payment systems. It usually mimics the login pages of banks, accesses user information and commits fraud by redirecting users to different pages.

DDoS Trojan

DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) Trojan is used to organise attacks on targeted web resources. This type of trojan virus overloads the bandwidth and other computer resources of the target server, making it inaccessible. Attackers carry out these attacks by setting up a ‘zombie network’ of infected computers.

Ransomware Trojan

The ransomware Trojan horse is a dangerous type of trojan that has become widespread in recent years. When this virus infects the system, it encrypts all data on the computer and demands a ransom from the user. Attackers usually demand payment in the form of bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. The payment promises that the data will be decrypted, but this is not guaranteed.

These trojan horse types pose serious threats to cyber security. It is important for users to download applications from reliable sources, make regular backups and use up-to-date security software. In addition, not opening suspicious e-mail attachments and not clicking on links from unknown sources are also among the protection methods. Ransomware trojans can cause great damage. You can learn more about ransomware in this guide.

Symptoms of Trojan Horse Virus

The Trojan horse virus can show various symptoms when it infects computer systems. Recognising these symptoms is important for early detection of the virus and taking the necessary precautions. You can use tools such as Sysmon to detect suspicious activity on your computer. Learn more about log analysis on Windows systems.

Decline in System Performance

A computer infected with a Trojan horse virus may start to run slower than its normal operating speed. Users may notice that their computer is unusually slow. Programmes may crash or run very slowly. In addition, the internet connection may also slow down. File download and upload speeds may noticeably decrease.

Unexplained Pop-ups

One of the most obvious signs of a Trojan horse virus is pop-up windows that suddenly appear on the screen. These pop-ups can often contain adverts or try to redirect the user to malicious websites. In some cases, these pop-ups may claim to be scanning for viruses or display fake security warnings.

Changes to Browser Settings

The Trojan horse virus can change the settings of the web browser. Users may notice that the homepage or start page of their browser has changed. Also, new toolbars or plug-ins may appear in the browser. These changes occur without the user’s permission and are often used to redirect to malicious websites.

Security Software Disabled

A Trojan horse virus can try to disable security software on a computer. Protection mechanisms such as antivirus programmes or firewalls may suddenly become disabled or not function properly. This is a tactic used by the virus to disguise itself and stay in the system longer.

Users who notice these symptoms of the Trojan horse virus should take immediate action. Starting the computer in safe mode, disconnecting from the Internet and running a full system scan using up-to-date antivirus software can be the first steps. In addition, integrated security solutions such as Windows Defender can also help detect trojan horse viruses.

It is important for users to be careful when opening e-mail attachments, not to download files from unreliable sources and not to click on suspicious links. Being aware of cyber security and staying up to date is one of the best defence methods against threats such as trojan horse viruses.

Conclusion

Trojan horse viruses stand out as a serious threat in the cyber security world. This insidious software has mastered the art of tricking users into infiltrating systems and stealing sensitive information. With their different types and working principles, these viruses can cause great damage to computer systems and disrupt users’ digital lives.

It is very important to be vigilant to protect against Trojan horse viruses. Avoiding opening suspicious e-mails, downloading software from trusted sources and using an up-to-date antivirus software are among the effective measures against these threats. In addition, in case of a possible infection, it is vital to quickly recognise the symptoms and take the necessary steps to minimise the damage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trojan Horse Viruses