This world is fast becoming a world without limits. With modern banking, you can enjoy the convenience of managing your finances easily at any time you want, and at any location. But, unfortunately, they are some cons attached to it; one of the prominent issues is security.
The individual’s account information is stored on their mobile devices which others can have access to if not properly secured. Most times, the banks issue out disclosure to debunk messages regarding the collection of financial details from hackers.
Hackers make use of viruses and malware to get account details from our device’s financial applications. A financial Trojan is a malicious designed computer program that is designed to obtain private information stored or processed through online banking systems.
How do we then protect ourselves against these financial viruses? How do we make sure our finances are safe?
Understanding how to protect yourself from this
These viruses redirect traffic from banking applications to another application, apparently an application that the hacker has access to. Once the malicious software gets launched, it makes duplicates of itself into the host computer, making folders and creating a record of entry every time the system is launched. It locates specific cookie files relating to finances and stored them in its own file.
The Trojan virus can carry out a couple of operations, including downloading and sending files, making duplicates of financial details from the clipboard and making use of logging keystrokes.
These viruses can steal financial application login details including passwords and usernames, some individuals, business owners, and customers need to be conscious of the software they install from unverified sources.
Financial institutions are trying their best to get rid of these malicious acts by increasing their security level using several authentication processes. However, it is enough from their angle, their customers’ needs to stay safe and prevent hacking from their side too.
Types of viruses and their intentions
There are various types of Trojan viruses and they all do something different and bad. Some of which include:
Backdoor Trojan: This particular type of virus creates an “entering point” on a user’s device allowing hackers to gain access to the user’s financial details. The backdoor Trojan uploads stolen data from the applications and even upload more malware unto the user’s device
Downloader Trojan: As the name implies, the main work of the downloader Trojan is to download additional and unwanted foreign contents into the computer to infect it.
Infostealer Trojan: Basically, the infostealer Trojan steals information from an already infected device.
Remote Access Trojan: This type of virus allows the hacker to get full access to the device’s system. It enables the hacker to get the required information they need.
Distributed Denial of service: This Trojan is programmed to destroy a network by flooding it with too much data. Overloading causes problems for the systems, and this results in system crashes.
Learning to combat financial Trojans
Now that we are aware of the different types of financial Trojan viruses and how they operate, we should examine how we can prevent them to stay safe. The following steps are recommended:
Use effective Anti-malware software: You should install good anti-malware software and keep it updated to stay secured and protected always. They are proven to be effective for the task. Anytime you download programs through the internet, always scan them first before you install them. Do not be in a rush to destroy your system.
Some examples of protection software include
McAfee (This antivirus software helps to prevent viruses from gaining access to your computer system and also eliminate viruses that have already infected your computer. It automatically detects all malicious software using the in-built automatic web crawler)
Norton (a well-known and trusted antivirus that detects all Trojan viruses, quarantine them thereby making the device virus free), and
Bitdefender (This antivirus provides real-time protection against malicious software. It scans e-mail messages and decide if it is safe to open them or not)
Using software for protection
Do not grant permission to launch software or run programs from unknown sources. It is advised not to accept software sent out from messaging applications.
It is also advisable not to open e-mails from unknown senders; an email is an easy tool by which hackers use to gain access to a user’s device. Delete spam e-mails immediately especially those having attachments with .exe, or .vbs.
Always run a quick scan for your hardware like CDs, DVDs, hard drives and flash drives before using it. It is also recommended to add passwords to your devices to prevent unwanted persons from accessing your financial information.
Keep your money safe from financial Trojans
Having gone through this article, we hope you are more enlightened about the financial Trojan viruses out there, how they work and how to eradicate them. Always remember that your financial details are important. Thus, it is crucial to keep it protected.
Share your thoughts with us in the comment session below. We would look forward to answering your questions too.
