Also Known As:
Malware, Virus.
Description:
A Trojan Horse appears to be a useful, legitimate file or software program,
but once installed, it can cause havoc with a computer by damaging or deleting
files. Just as the Trojan people were deceived into accepting the Greeks'
gift of a monumental horse, users are often tricked into accepting the Trojan
Horse software. One Trojan Horse scam claims that its program will rid the
computer of viruses; another might claim to have pornographic images. The
unsuspecting user opens the file or downloads the software and the damage
is done. Unlike Viruses and Worms, a Trojan Horse is not designed to replicate
itself. Some Trojan Horse programs open a backdoor into the computer, allowing
unscrupulous individuals to steal sensitive financial and identity information.
How to Recognize This Threat:
If a file or an offer to download a software program looks "too good
to be true," it just might be a Trojan Horse. Unsolicited messages with
an executable (.exe) file or zipped (.zip) attachment can also include a Trojan
Horse.
What Should I Do:
Avoid opening an executable file (.exe) sent via email. It is recommended
for every computer user to have anti-virus software loaded on their computer.
Furthermore, the anti-virus software should have the capability of being automatically
updated to ensure it protects against new Trojan Horses. It should also automatically
scan incoming and outgoing email. On a regular basis - at least weekly - the
anti-virus software should automatically scan every file on the computer.
Users should also have firewall protection. Make sure the latest updates of
the computer's operating system are installed.
