Trojans

Trojans are a type of computer virus that can be installed on your computer without you realising. Read about how you can prevent yourself from being infected by a Trojan.

• Trojans can install a 'keystroke logger', which captures all the keys entered onto a computer keyboard
• Some trojans are specifically looking to capture passwords entered on certain websites, by either capturing keystrokes or taking screen shots of websites you visit. All this information is then sent to fraudsters
• Emails are normally sent out at random, with the intention of getting people to click on a link from the email to a malicious website. These emails are not normally about Internet banking and normally use a variety of other excuses to get users to click on a link
• Keep firewalls, anti-virus software and anti-spyware programmes up-to-date to help protect your computer from Trojans. Run a scan on your computer regularly to check for any new viruses
• Treat all unsolicited emails with caution and never click on links from these emails to visit unknown websites
• Most current Trojans take advantage of vulnerabilities in the Internet Explorer browser. If you use Internet Explorer, ensure that you are using the latest version of the software and download all 'critical updates' and 'security updates'. Consider using a different type of web browser
• Follow advice on the Get Safe Online website for more advice on how to keep your computer safe
• Most Trojans try to get you to click on a link by alarming you (e.g. "Your credit card will be charged") or by tempting you with some dramatic information (e.g. "Osama Bin Laden captured"; "Terrorists target Olympic Games"; "Someone sent you a private message")
• Consider using an anti-spam product to help filter-out unsolicited emails
• A website that you click on from a link in an email may appear to be ordinary, but it could be installing a malicious code that's disguised in the page

Look at some examples of Trojan emails on APACS' Bank Safe Online website