What is a Trojan Horse?

A Trojan Horse is a type of malware or virus that attackers try to install on devices for malicious purposes. The name originates from the ancient Greek story of the Trojan War, implying deception. It actively misleads users by appearing as a legitimate file, like an email attachment or free software, to trick them into downloading and installing the malware.

One common type is the backdoor Trojan, which, once installed, creates a remote access point for the attacker to monitor the device, steal data, and compromise accounts or identity. Ransomware Trojans are another prevalent type. They block access to device files, demanding a ransom (often in cryptocurrency) for their release, sometimes threatening to leak or delete the data if not paid.

To protect yourself, only download apps and software from official sources like device app stores, as they contain verified software. Always be wary of emails from unknown sources and avoid opening suspicious links or attachments. Be skeptical of free software offers, as they can often hide Trojan Horses. Finally, using antivirus tools, such as Windows Defender, which is built into Windows, can detect and neutralize malware on your device.