A Trojan, short for Trojan Horse, is a type of malware that disguises itself as a legitimate or harmless file or program to trick users into installing it. Once inside the system, it can perform a wide range of malicious activities—often without the user’s knowledge.

🧠 Why Is It Called a “Trojan”?

The name comes from the ancient Greek myth of the Trojan Horse: a deceptive gift that concealed soldiers inside. Similarly, a computer Trojan appears benign but hides harmful code that activates once installed.

🎭 What Does a Trojan Do?

Once executed, a Trojan can:

• 📥 Steal data: Passwords, credit card info, personal files.
• 🔓 Create backdoors: Allow remote access to your system.
• 🧨 Install other malware: Viruses, ransomware, spyware.
• 🐾 Track activity: Log keystrokes, take screenshots, monitor behavior.
• 🧠 Join botnets: Turn your device into part of a network used for attacks.

Unlike viruses or worms, Trojans don’t self-replicate—they rely on the user to install them, often by clicking a malicious link or downloading a fake app.

⚠️ How Trojans Spread

• 📧 Email attachments
• 🌐 Fake software downloads
• 📱 Mobile apps from unofficial stores
• 🧲 Malicious ads or pop-ups

🛡️ How to Protect Yourself

• ✅ Use reputable antivirus software.
• 🚫 Avoid downloading files from unknown sources.
• 🔒 Keep your OS and apps updated.
• 🧠 Be skeptical of unexpected emails or pop-ups.