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1.8 KiB
Markdown
44 lines
1.8 KiB
Markdown
---
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title: Trojan malware
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description: Learn about how trojans work, deliver malware do your devices, and what you can do to protect yourself.
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keywords: security, malware
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ms.prod: w10
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ms.mktglfcycl: secure
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ms.sitesec: library
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ms.localizationpriority: medium
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ms.author: dansimp
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author: dansimp
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ms.date: 07/01/2018
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---
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# Trojan malware
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Trojans are a common type of malware which, unlike viruses, can’t spread on their own. This means they either have to be downloaded manually or another malware needs to download and install them.
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Trojans often use the same file names as real and legitimate apps. It is easy to accidentally download a trojan thinking that it is a legitimate app.
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## How trojans work
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Trojans can come in many different varieties, but generally they do the following:
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- Download and install other malware, such as viruses or worms.
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- Use the infected PC for click fraud.
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- Record keystrokes and websites visited.
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- Send information about the infected PC to a malicious hacker including passwords, login details for websites, and browsing history.
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- Give a malicious hacker control over the infected PC.
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## How to protect against trojans
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Use the following free Microsoft software to detect and remove it:
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- [Windows Defender Antivirus](https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-antivirus/windows-defender-antivirus-in-windows-10) for Windows 10 and Windows 8.1, or [Microsoft Security Essentials](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=5201) for previous versions of Windows.
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- [Microsoft Safety Scanner](https://www.microsoft.com/wdsi/products/scanner)
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You should also run a full scan. A full scan might find other, hidden malware.
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For more general tips, see [prevent malware infection](prevent-malware-infection.md). |