The Best Anti-Trojan Software Review & Buyers Guide
The way to remember how Trojans work is through how it got its name from Greek mythology. The Trojan Horse, a large wooden horse that fit hundreds of Greek soldiers, entered a city. When everyone was asleep, the soldiers crept out of the Trojan Horse and wreaked havoc in the city.
What Is Trojan Virus?
In computer terms, Trojans are malware which at first are seemingly harmless programs. But once you finish installing them, they will infect files throughout your system and affect your computer.
Trojan Malware can hide in unexpected places, such as emails, downloads, websites and more. It is better to be careful to avoid this type of malware. You can protect yourself against Trojan viruses by using anti-Trojan software.
There are a lot of Anti Trojan security software that can cater to your security needs. The security coverage depends on the features provided by these applications. In this article we will tackle the Best Anti Trojan Security Softwares available in the market.
Comparison Of The 5 Best-selling Trojan Remover Software
In this article, we’re listing down the top five anti-Trojan software to get.
| Product | Ransomware Protection | Real-time Protection | Email Scanning | Behavior Inspection | Zero Day Protection | |
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Malwarebytes Premium
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McAfee Internet Security
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Bitdefender Total Security
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Kaspersky Total Security
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Avast Pro Antivirus
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1. Malwarebytes Premium
Malwarebytes Premium all-new detection engine targets the newest online threats, including Trojans, which other existing solutions cannot provide. It comes with a powerful scanning technology that checks registry values and keys, files, and running processes – elements that embed at the core of the operating system.
It also tells you more about threats it finds, like their type and behavior, so you can make smarter security decisions. For example, instead of seeing a generic threat name like “Malware123,” you’ll see a name like “Spyware.PasswordStealer,” along with a link to information about that specific threat.
Malwarebytes features easy configuration and ongoing maintenance so first-time and non-techie users will appreciate it.
Key Features
- Virus Scanner
Malwarebytes for Windows reverts to a manual scanner that detects and cleans up malware infections only when you run a scan. You can upgrade to the premium version any time.
- Behavior Matching
Aside from substantial changes, once they have identified a threat, Malwarebytes contextualizes the new program concerning other traffic and historical roles. When it can cross off security checks, that’s when it’s able to identify if it is safe.
- Heuristic Analysis
Heuristic analysis looks for certain malicious behavior from new and undetected Trojans and other forms of malware based on the trends across the globe.
- Katana Engine
The Katana Engine is an updated engine that powers Malwarebytes, combining new detection technologies with existing detection engines to bring greater security.
- Zero-hour detection
Zero hour detection identifies and removes threats that can wreak havoc in your device as they arise.
- User Friendly Interface
Malwarebytes all-new user interface makes it easier than ever to customize your protection. Schedule scans, adjust protection layers, and choose from three scan modes.
2. McAfee Internet Security
An award-winning anti-Trojan software, McAfee Internet Security performs cloud-based analysis to keep your devices protected without slowing it down. It notifies you with clear warnings when you’re visiting risky websites. Plus, it comes with free customer support for subscriptions to assist you with any concerns regarding the product.
Key Features
- Safe Web Browsing
McAfee Internet Security gives you clear warnings when you’re visiting risky websites, clicking on unsafe links, or downloading unsafe files.
- Performance Optimization
Another useful feature of McAfee Internet Security is it minimizes your bandwidth usage and optimizes your PC performance while working in the backend.
- Password Manager
Forget about the hassle of having to remember all your passwords or save them in open files. McAfee has a password manager to store all these and keeps them safe.
- Cross-Platform, Multi-Device
You can customize and manage all your devices even if they are running on different operating system in one network through an easy-to-use webpage.
3. BitDefender Total Security
With its nearly 20 years of experience and expertise in cybersecurity, BitDefender offers an array of reliable cybersecurity and anti-Trojan/antimalware solutions for both individuals and organizations. BitDefender Total Security is a lightweight software that doesn’t cause your OS to bloat but has all the features that you need. It also provides a multi-layer of ransomware protection with excellent malware detection capabilities.
Key Features
- File Shredder
BitDefender comes with a File Shredder feature that physically removes data from your hard drive. This function makes sense when you need to remove a file due to infection or prevent unauthorized access.
- Gaming Mode
This anti-Trojan makes sure that you get an uninterrupted gaming session by postponing automatic updates, notifications, and scans that can slow down your system.
- Photon Technology
BitDefender employs innovative techniques to run it scans on the cloud and not on your device. Through this approach, this anti-Trojan software doesn’t use your system resources and cause slowdown.
- Tough & Thorough
BitDefender’s anti-Trojan solution goes through your system thoroughly, cleaning up your hard drive and its partitions. No need to reboot your device once the malware is removed.
4. Kaspersky Total Security
Kaspersky Total Security’s award-winning software suite rolls antimalware protection, software firewall, file encryption, and parental control into one nifty package. Apart from Trojans, Kaspersky’s mechanism detects other forms of malware including the latest ones like cryptolockers and ransomware. Kaspersky serves as your frontline of defense against threats that come from the Internet by employing encryption that makes you hidden from the prying eyes of hackers and other cybercriminals.
Key Features
- Threat Protection
Kaspersky Total Security provides a complete defense against traditional malware like Trojans and viruses, and the more recent ones like cryptolockers and ransomware.
- Encrypted Browser
With Kaspersky Total Security, you know you are safe when doing transactions online, thanks to its bank-grade encrypted browser and use of VPN technology that is compatible with both Windows and macOS.
- File Protection
Kaspersky Total Security has a file protection feature that shiels the most valuable asset on your device – your data. Whether it’s a photo, music, or your personal information, you don’t have to worry.
- Child-Friendly
This anti-Trojan security software keeps your children away from nasty websites and allows you to control the time they spend on the Internet. It even enables you to locate your kids through GPS.
5. Avast Pro Antivirus
Avast Pro Antivirus also works as an effective anti-Trojan software for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS platforms. This security software thoroughly monitors new and unknown programs on your computer that might turn out as a malware – a classic behavior of a Trojan malware. Ideal for home use, Avast comes in different versions with the following features.
Key Features
- Behavior Shield
Some malware may behave for a couple of days but go rogue without you noticing. Aside from detecting malware, Avast also makes sure they monitor their behaviors.
- SafeZone Browser
Operating within the sandbox, SafeZone Browser allows you to browse your device and go online without the risk of running a malicious program or visiting an unsafe website.
- Virtual Sandbox
Acting as a testing environment, a sandbox is a virtual space that separates unknown or new programs or sources. Avast monitors their behaviors then determines if they are safe.
- Secure DNS
DNS stands for domain name system. Some sites can redirect you to another site (an inauthentic URL) when you visit an authentic one. This feature will protect from this kind of hijacking.
What Is Trojan Horse?
A Trojan horse, or Trojan, is a severe malicious software that cybercriminals created to access your confidential data. This malware is used to trick users that a program they are using is legitimate and safe. Without anti-Trojan software, your computer and the safety of your privacy and personal information is on the line.
Why Do You Need Anti-Trojan Software?
An anti-Trojan software gets rid of Trojan Horses on your computer. This malware pretends to be useful programs while causing harm to your computer and stealing data.
By installing effective anti-malware software, you can defend your devices including PCs, laptops, Macs, tablets and smartphones against Trojans.
Trojan Horse, or Trojan, spreads on your computer when you open an infected email or download a file or application. Trojan malware slows down your computer. It can also download other malware like spyware on the device it’s already infected.
One way to check if there’s Trojan in your device is by using a Trojan scanner with your malware removal tool. When removing Trojan, always make sure that you also remove the programs that you downloaded when you got the virus.
Signs of Trojan Virus Infection
Trojan malware infection shows manifestations similar to that of an infection caused by a computer virus or spyware. If your device experiences any or, much worse, all of these symptoms, there’s a possibility that a Trojan horse malware is present.
– Directed to unfamiliar websites
– Corrupted/encrypted files
– Poor computer speed and performance
– Poor network speed
– Frequent crashing and freezing of the screen
– Unfamiliar add-ons
– Unfamiliar programs automatically installed
– Data files deleted or blocked
– Insufficient storage
– Spam emails to your contact list
8 Common Types of Trojan Virus Attacks
Like computer viruses, spyware, and other forms of malware, Trojans have evolved over the years. Today, Trojan horse malware has branched out to different classifications with varying attack methods and infection severity. Nonetheless, they maintain the main formula of being stealth, presenting themselves as legitimate applications before they strike.
Downloader Trojan
This type of Trojan downloads malicious files and programs without your permission.
Fake Antivirus Trojan
Simulating the activity of legitimate antivirus software, this Trojan type wreaks havoc when users are no longer suspecting.
Remote Access Trojan (RAT)
When an unsuspecting user executes a RAT, it provides hackers complete access and control over your computer. RAT is also known as backdoor Trojan.
Proxy Trojan
A proxy server stands as a gateway between the user and the Internet. It performs different levels of security so that users appear anonymous in the public network. When a Trojan acts like a proxy server, it lets hackers perform illegal activities, and even use your computer to launch other malicious threats to other networks.
Security Disabler Trojan
Antivirus programs and software firewall installed on your device get disabled when a security disabler Trojan penetrates your system.
Denial of Service Attack Trojan
This kind of Trojan horse malware sends the targeted host with traffic until it can no longer respond or completely crashes. Thus, it prevents users from using the system. The attack renders its users paralyzed from using their files and information.
FTP Trojan
FTP (file transfer protocol) enables users to upload and download files to and from the computer network. The FTP Trojan opens this port and lets hackers attack your system by using FTP.
Data Sending Trojan
This Trojan horse attack relays sensitive data to users, often installing keyloggers in the mix. Users will then send the information back to the hacker. This attack is often used to serve advertisements, by tracking user activity, sites visit, and links click.
Top 8 Most Popular/ Dangerous/ Widespread Trojans
#1 FlaweAmmyy
An example of a RAT, FlawedAmmyy is named as such as it is based on a leaked version of Ammyy Admin Software, a popular remote access tool used by businesses to handle remote systems. Some features of a remote access software include remote desktop control, proxy support, and file system manager. The same features make the malware FlawedAmmyy. The RAT malware grants cybercriminals access to steal information and execute backdoor commands.
#2 Zeus/Zbot
Created by Russian programmer Evgeniy Mikhailovich Bogachec, Zeus can wreak damages such as bank fraud, hacking, and identity theft. Since it is an open-source malware, the creation of Zeus also spawned the creation of other malicious DIY Trojans like the Terdot, Floki Bot, among many others.
#3 Cryptolocker
The same creator of Zeus who also goes by the code name “Slavik” and “lucky12345” created another ransomware called Cryptolocker. The malware encrypts files, including the ones in your hard drive, and even the ones stored on the cloud. Cryptolocker first appeared in 2013 and has infected over half a million users.
#4 Storm Worm
Authorities discovered Storm Worm in 2011 as a backdoor Trojan horse that affects some versions of Microsoft Windows OS. Aside from controlling a system remotely, it also installs a rootkit that opens up privilege access to restricted areas of the software.
#5 Rogue Antivirus/FakeAV
This fake antivirus Trojan sends alerts to users about fake threats that don’t exist. It then sends users to specific websites, prompting them to make payments to get rid of these threats.
#6 Flashback
Flashback is a widespread Mac malware almost as viral as Conficker that affects Windows. Discovered in 2011, Flashback disguises as an Adobe Flash installer which makes users think it is a safe program. It took advantage of an unpatched Java to install itself on the computer.
#7 Clampi
Clampi first appeared in 2007. It mainly attacks research firms, online casinos, and small businesses, transmitting their banking information to a third party. Once information is in the hacker’s hands, they can drain the owner’s bank account being able to do this for months before the user notices.
#8 W32/KIDO
W32/KIDO is another name for Conficker which infects computers running on some version of Windows. Infecting computers in over 200 countries, Conficker is by far one of the most malicious malware ever encountered, having an ability to combine various malware techniques.
Things To Consider When Choosing The Anti-Trojan Software
Like antivirus software and anti-spyware software, some anti-Trojan software solutions come in the form of trial versions. But once you are about to spend money to buy the full version, what are the factors that you should look at when choosing an anti-Trojan software? Here’s a quick look at these factors.
Real-Time Protection
With a real-time protection feature, you get updates and warnings as soon as the malware enters your computer. This is an important feature to look for in any virus protection software, and better than having scheduled scans.
Email Scanning
Hackers attach Trojan horses to unsuspicious emails in the form of links and embedded attachments. Once you click on and open these them, the virus can immediately creep into the system without your knowledge. With an email scanning feature in your anti-malware software, you can get notifications as the threat gets found before you open them.
Zero Day Protection
Zero Day Protection is an important feature for detecting viruses with unregistered signatures. A software with the feature can identify new threats protecting you from day zero of its attack.
Behavior Protection
It’s not enough that the software can detect threats and remove them. For almost seemingly safe programs like Trojan Horses, it should also have a behavior protection feature that keeps track of the program’s behavior even weeks after it is installed.
Cost
Most software you can see today is available with a subscription service. Some you can buy with a one-time payment. There is no better choice here. It’s a matter of weighing your options properly whether a one-time payment is as good as the subscription or if it will cost you a lot more with added services. Also, look for a subscription that you can cancel anytime in case you decide that the current one you have is not performing as you would need it.
