| title | Trojan malware | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| ms.reviewer | |||
| description | Trojans are a type of threat that can infect your device. This article describes how trojans work and how to remove them. | ||
| keywords | security, malware, protection, trojan, download, file, infection, trojans, virus, protection, cleanup, removal, antimalware, antivirus, WDSI, MMPC, Microsoft Malware Protection Center, malware types | ||
| ms.service | defender-endpoint | ||
| ms.subservice | reference | ||
| ms.mktglfcycl | secure | ||
| ms.localizationpriority | medium | ||
| ms.author | bagol | ||
| author | batamig | ||
| manager | bagol | ||
| audience | ITPro | ||
| ms.collection |
|
||
| ms.topic | article | ||
| search.appverid | met150 | ||
| ms.date | 03/18/2022 |
Trojans are a common type of malware, which, unlike viruses, can't spread on their own. This means they either have to be downloaded manually or another malware needs to download and install them.
Trojans often use the same file names as real and legitimate apps. It's easy to accidentally download a trojan thinking that it's a legitimate app.
Trojans can come in many different varieties, but generally they do the following tasks:
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Download and install other malware, such as viruses or worms.
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Use the infected device for select fraud.
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Record keystrokes and websites visited.
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Send information about the infected device to a malicious hacker including passwords, sign in details for websites, and browsing history.
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Give a malicious hacker control over the infected device.
Use the following free Microsoft software to detect and remove it:
- Microsoft Defender Antivirus for Windows 10 and 11.
- Microsoft Safety Scanner
For more general tips, see prevent malware infection.