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.
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 should I do if I suspect my account has been compromised?
If you detect suspicious activity on your device or account, act quickly:
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.
Use a clean, secure device to change passwords for all critical accounts
Contact our support to secure your account.
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.