Trojan (Horse) spyware is an application that pretends to be a legitimate program downloaded from the Web. However, once you execute that program (by opening a downloaded picture from an email attachment, for example) it will start downloading spyware to your computer. This may result in slowed performance of your computer and Internet connection, constant ad pop-ups whether you are online or not and, most importantly, someone spying on what you are doing on your PC.
What is a Trojan?
Trojan is a computer program disguised as legit software, such as a screensaver, but once installed on your computer, it will either let the hacker who developed it gain full access to your computer or begin downloading spyware from the Web to your PC.
What is Spyware?
Spyware is a computer program that is installed to monitor computer activity without the user's knowledge or consent. This monitoring by an authorized person can lead to stolen private information and, subsequently, identity theft. Spyware can infect a computer through many ways such as instant messaging applications, peer-to-peer file sharing networks or email attachments with Trojans. Spyware can get a hold of your online usernames and passwords, steal your private sensitive information, redirect your web browser and track your Internet browsing habits.
What is a Trojan Spyware?
Trojan spyware is the software that combines the worst of both worlds: trojan capabilities to secretly download programs from the Web, and spyware abilities to steal your private information and allow the parasite developer to gain access to your computer. These programs can either be downloaded as an attachment from an email, as a legitimate software or dropped by some malicious websites. However, they cannot replicate themselves.
Crimeware
Trojans and spyware combined is called crimeware because it allows a hacker to easily gain unauthorized access to a computer and then steal the user's private information. According to Symantec, crimeware consists of about 37 percent of all of the malware it processes each week.
Protect Your Computer From Trojan Spyware
Since Trojan spyware is spread through the Web and email, you have a few tools to defend your computer and personal information. Keep your anti-virus and anti-spyware up-to-date at all times. Configure your firewall and web browser securely. You should also accept updates to your browser and download security patches when available. Do not open suspicious email attachments if they come from an unknown address and set up the spam filter in your email account. Check your bank and credit card statements, and phone bills on a regular basis to catch suspicious activity.
