The Trojan Horse virus was appropriately given this name because of the way that you inquire getting it. This is a virus that normally hides in another program, unknowingly to the computer user. You may be downloading a song, game, movie, and, at the same time, have a Trojan Horse embedded in that piece of software without you even knowing it. This virus got its name from the myth of the Trojan War. The Greeks gave a huge wooden horse to the city of Troy as a “peace offering.” The city of Troy broke out in celebration, and began to get drunk. Little did the Trojans know that waiting inside their trophy horse was a group of well armed Geek soldiers. The men then burst from the Trojan Horse, seizing the city of Troy. So, much like the myth is how this malicious software works.

There are two different forms of Trojan Horses. The first type is the one created by internet hackers. These people insert Trojan Horses into programs and wait for you to download them. The other type is a stand alone Trojan Horse where you download something that claims to be one thing when in reality it is just a Trojan Horse. This type of malicious software works much different than viruses and worms. You see, Trojan Horses do not become active until a certain action from the computer user is done. Usually this involves opening a folder or trying to install software that you have downloaded. Viruses and worms, however, are automatic upon infection and require no interaction from the computer user.

The term Trojan Horse was first given to this type of malicious software by a Mr. Ken Thompson back in 1983. This is the man who found that it was possible to add a code to the UNIX login command that allowed you to create your own password. Doing this allowed a back door, if you will, into your system. He later deemed this invention a Trojan Horse. Of course, like all great inventions, it has developed past what its creator ever would have imagined possible. With the development of technology the Trojan Horse is becoming even more deadly by the day. It is imperative that not only home computer users, but major corporations as well, keep their anti virus protection systems up to date. Just downloading an anti virus program does not keep you safe anymore. With new malicious software coming out every day, it is important to keep you library of viruses, worms, and Trojans up to date. The good news is that most anti virus systems today offer live updates for free via the internet.

If you are going to be a user of the internet, there is no avoiding running into a Trojan Horse from time to time. Just because they are out there, does not mean you should not enjoy the internet. Be sure to always have the latest updates and malicious software protection installed and running on your computer system. If you use a cable modem, it is a good idea to keep your virus protection running all the time because you are always connected to the internet. Remember these few tips, and you too will be able to enjoy your time on the information super highway.