Downloader.Trojan is a detection name used by Symantec to identify malicious software programs that share the primary functionality of downloading content.
The content that is downloaded varies from one example to the next. It may comprise of, but need not be limited to, the following items:
- Configuration/command information
- Miscellaneous files
- Other threats or security risks, such as components related to pay per install operations
- Misleading Applications
- Secondary components of, or upgrades to, the existing attack
Most downloaders that are encountered will attempt to download content from the Internet rather than the local network. In order to successfully achieve its primary function a downloader must run on a computer that is inadequately protected and connected to a network. An adequately protected computer will either prevent the downloader from running in the first place or prevent unauthorized access to network resources and thereby prevent the attack from being carried out to its conclusion.
If a Symantec antivirus product displays a detection alert for this threat, it means the computer is already protected against this threat and the Symantec product will effectively remove this threat from the computer.
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