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The internet has changed our lives in more ways than we can count. These days, anything we desire — whether it’s knowledge, career opportunities, or consumer products — is seemingly just a few clicks away from us.  

And while it’s safe to say the impact of the internet has been an overall net positive, it’s also worth mentioning that its widespread adoption has introduced a number of new challenges we haven’t had to tackle before. Chiefly among them is the need to safeguard our personal data from the prying eyes of uninvited strangers.  

These external threats on our data come in the form of malicious software, such as Trojan horses. Trojans are a type of malware that relies on social engineering to infect the device of an unsuspecting target. They get their name from the story of Odysseus when he hid his Greek soldiers inside a wooden horse to get inside the city of Troy. 

Basically, Trojans infiltrate computer systems by masquerading as legitimate programs that are unwittingly downloaded and installed by the users. Hackers often use trojans to steal sensitive data such as medical, personal, or financial information. They are one of the most common types of malicious programs and can pose a threat to computer systems if left undetected.  

In this article, we go over how to detect a Trojan infection and discuss some of the most effective ways to check for a Trojan on a Windows PC. 

How can you tell if you have a Trojan virus? 

Like any computer virus infection, a system that’s infected with a Trojan horse can display a wide range of symptoms. Here are the main signs you should look out for. 

• Your computer is running slower than usual. Trojans tend to install additional malware that consumes computer processing unit (CPU) and memory resources. This can significantly slow your computer down and cause your operating system to become unstable and sluggish. 
• Unauthorized apps are appearing on your device. A common symptom of Trojan infection is the sudden appearance of apps you don’t recall downloading or installing. If you notice an unfamiliar app from an unverified developer in your Windows Task Manager, there’s a good chance that it is malicious software installed by a Trojan. 
• You experience constant operating system crashes and freezes. It’s not uncommon for Trojans to overwhelm your system and cause recurring crashes and freezes. An example of this is the Blue Screen of Death (BSoD), a Windows error screen that indicates that the system can longer operate safely due to hardware failure or the termination of an important process. 
• You experience an increasing number of internet redirects. In some cases, a Trojan can manipulate the browser or modify domain name system (DNS) settings to redirect the user to malicious websites. Frequent redirects are a red flag, so you should scan your computer the moment you notice an uptick in these redirect patterns. 
• You experience frequent pop-ups. A high number of pop-ups is another sign that your computer system might be infected with a Trojan. If you’re noticing more pop-ups than usual, there’s a strong possibility that a Trojan has installed a malicious adware program on your PC. 
• Applications won’t start. On top of slowing your computer down, Trojans can interfere with applications and prevent them from running. If you have trouble starting your browser or apps like word processing and spreadsheet software, a Trojan virus might be embedded in your PC. 

4 best ways to check for a Trojan on your PC

Now that you’re familiar with some of the common symptoms of a Trojan infection, let’s delve into how you can check for it on your PC. 

Scan your PC using McAfee

The first step you should consider is scanning your PC using an antivirus program. These anti-malware programs are an integral component of cybersecurity and should be the first thing you turn to when you’re trying to detect and remove Trojans. 

There are plenty of malware scan options to choose from, with antivirus software included in McAfee® Total Protection being one of the most comprehensive and functional security software you can use.  

It offers real-time protection from all types of malicious software threats, including viruses, rootkits, spyware, adware, ransomware, backdoors, and, last but not least, Trojans. McAfee virus protection comes with several valuable features, such as on-demand and scheduled scanning of files and apps, an advanced firewall for home network security, and compatibility with Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS devices. 

Search for Trojans while in computer “safe mode”

The next option you should explore is to search for Trojans in “safe mode.” This is an effective method of Trojan detection since safe mode only runs the basic programs needed for Microsoft Windows operation, making it easy to spot any unfamiliar or suspicious programs.  

Here’s how you can search for Trojans in safe mode: 

1. Type “MSCONFIG.” in the search bar from the Start menu. 
2. Click on the “Boot” tab in the System Configuration box. 
3. Tick “Safe Mode” and click “Apply,” then “OK.” 
4. After the system restarts, re-open the configuration box. 
5. Click on “Startup.” 
6. Examine the list and see if there are any suspicious files. 
7. Disable any you deem suspicious. 

Check processes in Windows Task Manager

A simple yet effective way to detect unfamiliar applications or suspicious activity in your system is to check the processes in Windows Task Manager. This will allow you to see if there are any unauthorized malicious programs running in the background.  

To check a list of all the active processes that are currently running on your PC, press Ctrl+Alt+Del and click on the “Processes” tab. Check the list of active applications and disable the process of apps without verified publishers or ones you don’t remember downloading and installing. 

Scan your PC using Windows Security

Another method you can try is to scan your PC using built-in Windows virus and threat protection tools. Microsoft Defender (called Windows Defender Security Center in older versions of Windows 10) can perform virus scans and detect various types of malware. 

A dedicated antivirus software like McAfee virus protection can also detect and remove malware. Our program comes with a full range of features that are specifically designed to recognize and remove all forms of threats from your system. 

Perform a comprehensive scan using McAfee

Computer security shouldn’t be something you lose sleep over. As long as you’re using a complete virus protection tool like McAfee antivirus software, you can enjoy a stress-free browsing experience. 

McAfee virus protection software is especially effective when it comes to scanning for Trojans and other types of malware and removing them before they can cause any damage to your computer system. With real-time, on-demand, and scheduled scanning of files and applications at your disposal, we’ll help you detect any emerging threat in a timely manner. 

See how McAfee Total Protection can make your digital life that much more rewarding and check out our Personal Data Cleanup service, which regularly scans some of the riskiest data broker sites to help remove your personal information from the net and protect your identity from theft.  

The post Best Ways to Check for a Trojan on Your PC appeared first on McAfee Blog.

A virtual private network (VPN) is a tool that enables users to protect their privacy while using an internet connection. VPNs create an encrypted tunnel — a private link between your device and the VPN server.  

Essentially, this private link or tunnel keeps external influences out and allows your data to travel in an encrypted manner, enhancing security. The network’s privacy also makes sure your Internet Protocol (IP) address and browsing history is hidden online.  

[Text Wrapping Break]VPNs use several VPN protocols like OpenVPN, IPSec/IKEv2, PPTP, SSTP, and WireGuard to protect you. In particular, McAfee® Safe Connect VPN supports the OpenVPN protocol, which is an open-source and highly secure protocol running on TCP or UDP internet protocol and used by many VPN providers globally. [Text Wrapping Break][Text Wrapping Break]Read on to know more about how VPNs work and learn to install one. 

What does a VPN do?

The best way to stay secure online is to minimize your digital footprint. A good VPN service allows you to do exactly this, acting as an additional layer of protection for your online activities.  

The primary function of a VPN is encryption. Most websites and online browsers already have some form of encryption. For example, when you purchase something on Amazon, you have to enter your credit card details and address. Encryption creates a private tunnel for data transmission between your device and Amazon to make sure no one else can watch what you’re doing.  

A VPN app does the same thing with an added level of security. The data that you pass to a VPN server is anonymized before it goes to the internet. In short, your device establishes an encrypted connection with the VPN server instead of connecting directly through the internet. So, the encryption protects your data and digital footprint from anyone outside the “private tunnel” between you and the secure VPN server.  

Additionally, VPNs allow you to change or hide your IP address. An IP address is a number linked to a particular computer and network. Changing your IP address can trick the servers into thinking you’re connecting from a different geographical location. This can help improve security and provide additional benefits discussed below. 

You can also use a VPN to hide your IP address. This may be helpful if you’re trying to access content from other countries (for example, Netflix may have different content in different countries) or trying to keep your internet search history away from the prying eyes of a third-party like your internet service provider or a government. 

Using a VPN can help improve your online security. Nearly every internet activity — website and social media browsing, paying bills, online shopping, data sharing, and more — can be tracked by others. [Text Wrapping Break][Text Wrapping Break]Read on to learn about who typically uses a VPN and understand whether you should consider installing one. 

Who typically uses VPNs?

Given the extra security that VPN connections provide, you can gain something from using a VPN client. So, if you’re an individual concerned about your online privacy or just want to browse online anonymously — consider using a VPN. A VPN enables you to use the internet without third parties seeing your identity or identifying you via your search history since they don’t know what you were searching about or using the internet for. 

Big tech has had a long history of tracking private data for their gains. These companies regularly bundle data into coherent profiles and sell it to third parties. Additionally, they use private data to demonstrate targeted advertisements or manipulative content that makes you more likely to purchase their products. [Text Wrapping Break][Text Wrapping Break]So, it’s worthwhile to use a VPN if you regularly shop online or bank online. A VPN gives you that additional protection that can help prevent hackers or malicious third parties from accessing your information.[Text Wrapping Break][Text Wrapping Break]VPNs are excellent mechanisms for you to protect your privacy online. And you should consider your personal context and conduct thorough research to find the best VPN for your needs. 

VPNs are particularly helpful if you travel a lot, either for business or for leisure. While traveling, it’s inevitable that you connect to random or unknown Wifi networks and it may be the case that these networks are spying on you. However, if you’re using a VPN to browse the web, these WiFi networks can’t track you or your search history. This ensures you maintain anonymity and are safe while using the internet.  

Should you use a VPN on your personal computer?

Yes, an additional layer of protection to your online activities is always good practice. A VPN allows individuals using a personal computer to stay vigilant, protect their data, and maintain anonymity while allowing them to still enjoy their online experience.  

Benefits of VPNs for personal use

VPNs provide more benefits than just serving as an additional layer for cybercriminals to pass through.  

• Data privacy: The biggest reason to use a VPN is data privacy. Internet service providers (ISPs) regularly collect customer data and sell it to advertisers for money. Using a VPN allows you to hide your location and prevents your data from falling into the wrong hands. VPNs allow you to browse the internet in peace, knowing that no third parties are aware of your identity or can trace particular internet activity back to you.  
• Security on public networks: Internet access through public Wi-Fi hotspots may not be the safest. User data on public networks is unprotected, making it vulnerable to bad actors who can use software to get past firewalls. With VPN encryption, you can remain safe even while using public Wi-Fi network connections.  

• Secure online transactions: Think about the number of times you log into your bank account or give out credit card information on e-commerce sites. You can never be too safe when it comes to financial information.  
• Change your location: Some content is geo-blocked for various reasons. It could be streaming services like Netflix limiting access to their services or different countries censoring content. VPNs can hide your IP address to trick servers into believing that your location is different from where your router is physically. This can give you access to a lot more content.  

Can you set up a VPN yourself?

Depending on the VPN you’re using, it can be a straightforward process to connect a VPN to your Mac, Windows, iPhone, or Android mobile device. McAfee’s VPN works with multiple platforms and operating systems, including Microsoft Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.  

Use this guide to quickly set up a VPN with your device in a few simple steps.  

Secure your browsing with a VPN from McAfee

With McAfee +, you can minimize your digital footprint through a secure connection channel without compromising your browsing experience. Connect to public networks, make financial transactions online, and keep your personal data safe with McAfee.  

With our bank-grade AES-256 bit encryption technology and automatic protection, McAfee VPN protection can help safeguard all your online activities — allowing you to enjoy the internet the way it was meant to be enjoyed. 

Explore our full suite of cybersecurity tools included in McAfee +, including our newest service, Personal Data Cleanup. We can help find and remove your personal data on some of the riskiest data broker sites.  

The post What’s the Meaning of VPN? VPN Defined appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Malicious software, or “malware,” refers to any program designed to infect and disrupt computer systems and networks. The risks associated with a malware infection can range from poor device performance to stolen data. 

However, thanks to their closed ecosystem, built-in security features, and strict policies on third-party apps, Apple devices tend to be less prone to malware infections compared to their Android counterparts. But it’s important to note that they’re not completely without vulnerabilities.  

Several iPhone viruses could infect your smartphone and affect its functionality, especially if you jailbreak your iPhone (that is, opening your iOS to wider features, apps, and themes).  

This article covers how you can detect malware infections and how to remove viruses from your device so you can get back to enjoying the digital world. 

How does malware affect iPhones?

Malware can affect your iPhone in a variety of ways. Here are a few telltale signs that your iPhone might have an unwelcome visitor.  

• Your iPhone’s battery life is shorter than usual. 
• Pop-up ads frequently appear. 
• Apps crash for no apparent reason. 
• Unfamiliar apps are installed on your iPhone. 
• You notice high data usage. 
• The operating system is noticeably slow. 
• Your iPhone is overheating. 

How to check your iPhone for malware

If you notice any of the signs above, it’s a good idea to check for malware. Here are some steps you can take. 

1. Look for unfamiliar apps. If you’re anything like the average smartphone user, you’ve probably downloaded dozens (if not hundreds) of apps. The sheer number of programs on your iPhone makes it easy for malicious apps to hide in plain sight and remain undetected for a long time. Take some time to swipe through all of your apps and closely inspect any that you don’t remember downloading or installing. 
2. Check your data usage. Heavy data usage can be a sign of a malware infection, which is why you should keep an eye on it if you suspect a virus is in your system. To do so, go to Settings > Mobile Data and check if your data usage is higher than usual. 
3. Check power consumption. Some types of malware run in the background and consume a significant amount of power without you noticing. To make sure that no such apps are installed on your phone, head over to Settings > Battery and select a period of your choice. Uninstall any unfamiliar apps that stand out. 
4. Keep an eye on pop-up ads. Running into pop-up ads is inevitable when browsing the internet. However, your phone might be infected with adware if you’re getting them at an alarming frequency. 
5. Scan your phone using antivirus software. As helpful as these steps are, running a complete scan using antivirus software is one of the most effective ways to detect malware. If you don’t have one installed already, consider using McAfee Mobile Security. This comprehensive security solution provides full-scale protection that includes a safe browsing feature to protect your digital life, Wi-Fi privacy, and a VPN for a more secure internet connection. Highly effective scans detect malicious apps and unwanted visitors before they enter your digital space. 

How to remove malware from your iPhone

If you’ve confirmed malware on your iPhone, don’t worry. There’s still time to protect yourself and your data. Below is an action plan you can follow to remove malware from your device. 

Update your iOS (if applicable)

In many cases, hackers exploit outdated versions of iOS to launch malware attacks. If you don’t have the latest version of your operating system, it’s a good idea to update iOS to close this potential vulnerability. Just follow these steps: 

1. Go to Settings. 
2. Click on General. 
3. Click on Software Update. 
4. Follow the instructions to update your iPhone. 

Restart your device

It might sound simple, but restarting your device can fix certain issues. The system will restart on its own when updating the iOS. If you already have the latest version, restart your iPhone now. 

Clear your iPhone browsing history and data

If updating the iOS and restarting your device didn’t fix the issue, try clearing your phone’s browsing history and data. If you’re using Safari, follow these steps: 

1. Go to Settings. 
2. Click on Clear History and Website Data.  
3. Click on Clear History and Data.  

Keep in mind that the process is similar for Google Chrome and most other popular web browsers. 

Remove any suspicious apps

Malicious software, such as spyware and ransomware, often end up on phones by masquerading as legitimate apps. To err on the side of caution, delete any apps that you don’t remember downloading or installing. 

Restore your iPhone

The option to restore to a previous backup is one of the most valuable features found on the iPhone and iPad. Essentially, this allows you to restore your device to an iCloud backup made before the malware infection.  

Here’s how: 

1. Go to Settings. 
2. Click on General. 
3. Click on Transfer or Reset iPhone. 
4. Choose Erase All Content and Settings. 
5. Choose Restore from iCloud Backup. 

Factory reset your iPhone

If none of the steps above solves the problem, a factory reset might be the next order of business. Restoring your phone to factory settings will reset it to its out-of-factory configuration, deleting all of your apps, content, and settings in the process and replacing them with original software only. 

To factory reset your iPhone, follow these steps: 

1. Go to Settings. 
2. Click on General.  
3. Click on Transfer or Reset iPhone.  
4. Choose Erase All Content and Settings. 
5. Choose Set Up as New iPhone. 

How to keep your iPhone safe from malware

The best way to protect your iOS device is to avoid malware in the first place. Follow these security measures to safeguard your device: 

• Don’t click on suspicious links. 
• Don’t install apps that Apple doesn’t recognize. 
• Only download apps from the App Store. 
• Don’t jailbreak your iPhone, as this will remove most Apple security features. 
• Enable automatic updates for iOS and iTunes to stay in line with Apple’s security updates and bug fixes. 
• Keep frequent data backups. 
• Avoid engaging with suspicious text messages on iMessage, as hackers use them to spread phishing scams. 

Secure your iPhone with McAfee Mobile Security 

If you have an iPhone and are like most other people, you probably use your device for almost everything you do online. And while it’s amazing to have the internet in the palm of your hands, it’s also important to be aware of online threats like malware, which can put your digital life at risk. 

The good news is that McAfee has your back with our award-winning and full-scale mobile security app. McAfee Mobile Security provides full protection against various types of malware targeting the Apple ecosystem. With safe browsing features, a secure VPN, and antivirus software, McAfee Security for iOS delivers protection against emerging threats, so you can continue to use your iPhone with peace of mind. 

Download the McAfee Security app today and get all-in-one protection. 

The post A Guide to Remove Malware From Your iPhone appeared first on McAfee Blog.