What is a trojan horse (also known as Trojan or Backdoor Trojan)?
A Trojan horse is a program that allows a hacker to make changes to your computer. Unlike a virus, a Trojan does not replicate itself. It is generally disguised as a harmless software program and distributed as an e-mail attachment. Once you open the attachment, the Trojan may install itself on your computer without your knowledge or consent. It has the ability to manage files on your computer, including creating, deleting, renaming, viewing, or transferring files to or from your computer. It may utilize a program manager that allows a hacker to install, execute, open, or close software programs. The hacker may have the ability to open and close your CD-ROM drive, gain control of your cursor and keyboard, and may even send spam by sending mass e-mails from your infected computer. They have the ability to run in the background, hiding their presence. Worst case scenario: A third party may gain access to your computer and do whatever the author has designed it to do.
