Trojan Agent Definition
Trojan agents pose as threatening Trojan-horse spyware files. They infect computers through downloads and urge users to run spyware removal programs. Spyware program writers use trojan agents to sell fake spyware detection software.
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Functions
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Rogue programs or trojan agents appear to run virus scans on infected computers, although the scans do not detect any real threats. Results of the scans include exaggerated claims of spyware danger and overall computer health risks.
Features
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Trojan agents cannot duplicate themselves, which is why they do not qualify as viruses. Effective spyware removal tools can eliminate trojan agents as well as the trojan spyware they claim to detect.
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Considerations
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While Trojan horses damage computer files, trojan agents only detect nonexistent threats and do not damage files themselves. Aggressive trojan agent spyware scan results act as a nuisance but are not a threat.
Significance
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The spyware database 2-Spyware.com rates trojan agents as 20 out of 100 on a scale of threat severity. A rating of 100 would indicate an extreme threat. The trojan agent rating of 20 makes them a relatively minor threat.
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References
- Photo Credit virus alert image by Pontus Edenberg from Fotolia.com
