Troj/Iframe-GF

Trojan malware is named after a large wooden Trojan horse in the Greek Mythology. Soldiers hid in the horse, which was presented as a war trophy to the unsuspecting people of Troy. When they wheeled it in behind their city walls, they were ambushed. Trojan malware guises itself as something interesting or useful, elicits a user to open the corrupt file, then attacks the computer sometimes requiring the use of antivirus software to detect and remove.

The Troj/Iframe-GF is a particularly sneaky Trojan horse that is attached to compromised websites through iframe injections. In other words, the Troj/Iframe-GF is really just a small line of HTML code that opens URLs in hidden windows. A user unknowingly visits one of these URLs, which have enabled scripts with full downloading capabilities. The scripts download malware on to a users computer. However, the Troj/Iframe-GF does not stop there, this Trojan allows for malware that already exists on an infected computer to be updated, reinstalled or changed at anytime. Antivirus authorities consider this Trojan to be a medium level threat.

Shortly after antivirus authorities discovered the Troj/Iframe-GF in February of 2009, they located the Trojan.Downloader.VBS.Psyme.JA. This long string of words is a 3KB visual basic script that is in cohorts with the Troj/Iframe-GF. Most basically, the visual basic script acts as dramatic booster for the Troj/Iframe-GF, allowing the Trojan much greater reach and enhanced spreading capabilities. The visual basic script can also act as a downloader for other forms of malware.

Obviously, you do not want the Troj/Iframe-GF or any other Trojan malware infecting and crippling your computer and all of your important files. You’re probably wondering how you get Trojans? They are executable programs, meaning you have to download and open the file to unleash the Trojan virus. The Troj/Iframe-GF is particularly sneaky because it secretly downloads files onto your computer from a hidden window, unbeknownst to you. Then you may notice a strange file on your desktop or downloads folder and open it just to see what it is. The downloaded files can be guised as any number of things, such as a love letter, free movie coupon or just about anything that would catch someone’s attention and get them to open the file.

Detecting a Troj/Iframe-GF that has already infected your computer can be difficult. Usually the first sign of malware is a slower processing time and higher CPU usage, which often goes unnoticed to the average user. You should suspect any questionable downloaded file on your computer, but know that Trojans can only be activated from executable programs, files with extensions like .exe, .vbs, .com and .bat. Trojans will often disguise themselves behind files with an extra extension in the name, such as “FREE-MOVIE-COUPON.txt.exe.” Only the last extension is important, in this case the .exe, and any file that uses extensions in the actual name of the file is high risk. Running an antivirus program is the sure way to detect a Trojan.

Ridding your computer of the Troj/Iframe-GFis not too difficult. If you’re very computer savvy, you can perform a clean installation, which involves backing up your hard drive, reformatting the disk and reinstalling your operating system. This is the most surefire way to destroy any malware on your computer. The easier route is to become a subscriber to a reputable antivirus software manufacturer. These companies provide malware detection and eradication software for the vast majority of viruses, Trojans, worms and other forms of malware.

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