Detect Trojans - Here's how

Trojans are not only annoying, they can also cause significant damage. In our guide, we will show you how to identify Trojans and improve the security of your computer through virus protection.

What is a trojan?

The Trojans derive their name from the Trojan horse: disguised as a useful application, a malicious program sneaks into your computer. The camouflage is usually done using inconspicuous file names, which are named, for example, after system files. Many users do not even know that their computer is infected by a Trojan. As a rule, Trojans aim to spy on passwords and similar data or to remotely control your computer for illegal purposes.

This is how you can recognize a Trojan

• To detect an active Trojan on your computer, you should first check the running processes. Since the built-in Windows task manager may not display some processes, you can use a more extensive alternative such as the free "System Explorer". You can also forward suspicious processes directly from the program for review. Processes with high CPU usage are suspect.
• Then check your computer's internet connections. Use the "TCPView" program for this. It not only lists all connections, but also shows which process started them. If you suspect a connection, you can then have a closer look at the respective process in "System Explorer" and have it tested.

Virus protection increases security

Virus protection software can save you a lot of work in trojan removal and can also protect your computer from being infected again or for the first time.

• Free antivirus packages such as the popular "AntiVir", "avast Free Antivirus" and "AVG Free Antivirus 2013" all offer you a virus scan of the complete system and useful additional functions. For example, you will receive security information about the website you are visiting directly in your Internet browser. However, these virus protection programs are not specialized in Trojans, but rather general antivirus programs.
• You have more security against trojans with special anti-trojan software. The "Trojan Remover" reliably detects the pests and removes them. Trojan Remover may also be able to correct changed system settings.

Known Trojans are, for example, the GVU, GEMA or BKA Trojans. The linked articles explain how to remove this malware.