As we know from the Classics, getting rid of Trojan Horses can be a real pain. Today, finding one on your desktop can be equally as awkward. Fortunately, for us, the virtual strain of Trojan Horse virus isn’t anything like as deadly as the surprise package of Greek legend.
But in the real world, much like the mythic one, while prevention is better than cure, we can still be caught out unawares. So what to do when an unpleasant and unwanted Trojan shows up?
First up, try manually updating your anti-virus and running a scan to see it off. The results of the scan will identify which Trojan you have on board, so take a careful note of the name. If a manual update of your anti-virus doesn’t work, try a manual check of Windows Update next. Still no joy?
Go to your anti-virus company’s web site and check for a dedicated removal tool. If you can’t see your pest listed there, try entering the exact name of the Trojan in quote marks into a search engine along with a + sign and “removal tool”. For example, “Trojan Horse Generic 5.GQ” + “removal tool”.
One such application that from first hand experience works well in removing Virtumonde-type infections is Atribune.org’s Vundofix. A two-click affair, one to scan and one to remove, is all there is to it, though you may be required to scan a couple of times to clean everything out.
As previously stated, prevention is better than cure. Keep anti-virus up to date and scan regularly, ditto with anti-spyware. Also be fastidious in keeping your operating system up to date by having your machine automatically check Windows Update and following the instructions to the letter. Don’t forget any components your browser uses, such as Java, and ensure all the other software you run is up to date as well.
Related HIE Business link - Securing your e-commerce systems
