There are a seemingly endless number of risks to our computer’s security on the World Wide Web. From pop-ups to viruses and malware there are many types of programs and applications that can not only access your personal information, but also seriously and permanently damage your computer and its hard drive. Trojans are some of the most common and most serious risks to your computer. Here are some tips on how to protect yourself from downloading a Trojan, and on keeping your online activities safe.

What is a Trojan?

A Trojan or a Trojan Horse is a type of non-replicating malware that makes your computer vulnerable to hackers. It allows hackers access to your computer and, depending on the actual program itself, can allow access to your personal information, install software that can make your PC part of a botnet or spamming scam, or viewing your online activities, just to name a few.

Trojans are often unknowingly downloaded to your computer in a number of ways. They include

• · Software downloads from unknown or suspicious sources
• · File sharing on torrent networks
• · Active X scripts that can run automatically on various websites
• · Email attachments

Drive-by Downloads

One of the most common ways that you can encounter a Trojan online is also one of the trickiest to avoid; the Drive-by Download. In most cases these types of Trojans are activated when you simply navigate to a webpage that contains an ActiveX script or Java applet that will automatically run the malware and upload it to your PC. The best and easiest way to stop a Drive-by Download is to shut down your browser. This will stop the application from completing the download, though this will only work in Internet Explorer or Chrome. It is also a good idea to disable these types of applications from automatically running on your computer via your browser’s security settings and your antivirus software.

Unsafe Email Attachments

Another common way that you can upload a Trojan to your PC is through email attachments. While setting up spam protection for your email account is a good way to protect you from malicious emails, it is also a good idea to not open emails from unknown senders. This will help prevent these types of programs from being downloaded on your PC.

In general, making sure that you have up-to-date and effective antivirus software on your computer is the most effective way to protect it from downloading a Trojan. It is also a good idea to only open emails from individuals or companies that you trust and that you have given your email address to. It is also a good idea to stay away from websites that look suspicious and always have a pop-up protector in place.