How do I protect my account from Trojan horse takeovers?

Trojan horse viruses are a type of malicious software designed to infect your phone or computer. Once installed, they can silently grant remote access and expose sensitive information, including login credentials, to unauthorized parties.

Account takeovers caused by trojans can be stealthy and difficult to detect — but with the right precautions, they’re also preventable. Learn how to recognize takeover signs, protect your account, and reduce risk.

How do hackers take over my account using a Trojan horse?

Trojan horse viruses can grant hackers remote control of your device — often where your critical accounts are already logged in. Once inside, attackers may perform unauthorized actions, such as transferring funds, changing account settings, or accessing private data.

Infected devices also expose stored login credentials and personal data, giving hackers access to a wide range of services beyond your original account.

How does a Trojan horse infect your device?

Trojan malware typically enters a device through your interaction with unsafe sources or deceptive content. Common infection methods include:

• Phishing Websites
  Hackers may create fake websites that closely resemble official software or service pages. These often appear in search results or advertisements and prompt you to download malicious installers.

• Tampered Software Installers
  Some applications are repackaged to include hidden malware such as keyloggers or remote access tools. These are commonly distributed via unofficial platforms like torrent sites, public forums, or social media.

• Phishing Emails and Attachments
  Emails disguised as bills, delivery notices, or company updates may contain dangerous links or attachments designed to deploy malware. Risky file types include .exe, .zip, .docm, and .xlsm.

• Cracked Software and Illegal Downloads
  Free and unauthorized software activators, game cheats, or pirated media often contain embedded Trojans. These are widely circulated on file-sharing platforms and pose significant security risks to your device.

• Malicious Websites and Pop-ups
  Simply visiting a compromised website or clicking on deceptive pop-up ads may trigger an automatic malware download. This is known as a drive-by download.

• Social Media Traps
  Hackers may impersonate legitimate brands or accounts and distribute malicious links through public posts, comments, or group discussions.

• Fake System or Driver Updates
  Pop-ups mimicking system update prompts or driver installations (e.g., GPU drivers) may mislead users into installing malware disguised as legitimate software.

What are the warning signs of a Trojan infection or account takeover?

If your device is infected by a Trojan horse, you may notice:

• Slower performance, system crashes, or unexpected popups.

• Unknown apps or programs installed.

• High network activity even when idle.

• Antivirus protection is disabled without your action.

• Random restarts or other suspicious activity.

If your account is being taken over, signs include:

• Logins from unknown devices or locations.

• Being locked out of your own account.

• Changes to your recovery email or phone number.

• Receiving password reset emails you didn’t request.

• Unusual sent messages or suspicious activity

• New third-party access or app passwords you didn’t authorize.

• Multi- or two-factor authentication (MFA/2FA) disabled unexpectedly.

• Actively running apps or browsers close unexpectedly for no apparent reason.

Stay vigilant. These signs often appear quietly — but recognizing them early can help stop a full account takeover.

What will happen if your device gets infected?

Once your device is infected, the Trojan can do much more than just slow it down. Most modern malware can:

• Steal your login credentials
  It can extract saved usernames and passwords from your browser, email, social apps, and even crypto wallets.

• Monitor your clipboard
  Anything you copy, such as wallet addresses, passwords, or verification codes, may be captured and sent to hackers.

• Record your keystrokes
  It can log what you type, including login details and other sensitive information.

• Take screenshots or record your screen
  Some Trojans can spy on your real-time activity by capturing your screen without your knowledge.

• Scan and upload your files
  Personal documents, ID images, PDFs, and wallet backups may be silently accessed and sent to remote servers.

• Remotely control your device
  Hackers may operate your computer as if they were sitting in front of it, without your awareness.

• Disable your antivirus software
  To avoid detection, some malware turns off your security tools or blocks software updates.

• Display fake pop-ups
  You may see convincing prompts asking for two-factor authentication codes or other sensitive data.

How does the Trojan horse take over our OKX account?

If your OKX account is logged in on an infected device, or if you access your email, SMS, or Google Authenticator from it, the Trojan can capture your login credentials and verification codes.

This includes the codes required to authorise actions such as withdrawals or security setting changes. With this information, the hacker can perform unauthorized activities on your behalf.

If you use passkeys or two-factor authentication (2FA) that are synced across devices, these can also be extracted, allowing the hacker to gain full control of your account.

What should I do if I suspect my account has been compromised?

If you detect suspicious activity on your device or account, act quickly:

1. Disconnect from the Internet — turn off Wi-Fi or power down your device and router

   • If you can still access your OKX account, freeze it before disconnecting.

   • If you receive any one-time password (OTP) codes via SMS, don't enter them.

2. Use a clean, secure device to change passwords for all critical accounts

3. Contact our support to secure your account.

4. Begin investigation and recovery only from a trusted device and network

Follow up with these steps:

• Run a full antivirus scan on all devices. Remove unfamiliar apps or software.

• Check recovery options (email, phone, 2FA) across critical accounts to ensure they remain under your control.

Note: if you lose access to your recovery email or device, prepare identity verification documents and contact support immediately.

How can I prevent a Trojan horse takeover?

Account safety

• Enable MFA/2FA for all essential accounts — especially email, authenticator apps, and passkeys stored in the cloud.

• Regularly review login history, connected devices, and third-party access for all important accounts.

• Use strong, unique passwords for each account. Never reuse your email password elsewhere.

• Disable SMS syncing across devices to prevent OTP interception.

• Separate accounts: use different email addresses for your authenticator and passkey accounts.

• Separate devices: keep your authentication and passkey apps on a secondary secure device when possible.

Device safety

• Avoid jailbreaking or rooting your devices.

• Protect devices with strong PINs, biometrics, or secure locks.

• Refrain from visiting untrustworthy websites or installing unknown software.

• Use devices and software from reputable sources only.

Note: If your email, authenticator, and passkey accounts share the same login, a hacker could compromise all of them at once. Use separate accounts where possible for critical services.
Your awareness is your first line of defense. By staying alert to suspicious activity and maintaining good security hygiene, you can significantly reduce the risk of Trojan horse attacks and account takeovers.

If you’re ever unsure or need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to OKX Support.