Malware, or 'malicious software' is software which has been specifically designed to cause damage or otherwise affect your computer in a negative way.
Malware comes in many forms, and its effects can range from detrimental internet usage, annoying pop-ups to far more sinister activities.
The vast majority of computer slow-downs, erratic behaviour and general instability can be attributed to the inadvertent loading of malware software.
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Trojan Horse |
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A Trojan horse is defined as a "Malicious, security-breaking program that is disguised as something benign".
Typically a Trojan is carried as a 'payload' within a virus, or is simply disguised as something a friend may send you, for example a game, or document.
Machines which are running Trojans are sometimes referred to as 'zombies'. Often, the Trojan will remain inactive, waiting for a command from the internet to get it to do something.
For example, a Trojan could:
•Allow somebody to access you computer files
•Allow somebody to 'proxy' through your computer - this means that if their internet activity is investigated, it will be tracked to your machine.
•Make your computer co-operate in a distributed denial of service attack
•Turn your computer into a file server for illegal material
Informal IT can show you how to identify, remove and protect yourself from Trojan programs.
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