Fake anti-virus programs, rogue security software, extortion-ware – whatever you want to call it, this kind of malware is still prevalent. They usually start with some pop-up message warning you that your system is infected and offering some free download to clean your computer. Generally, no matter what you choose, if you click on it at all, it installs a worm or virus. After that, this malicious software will peform a fake scan, and report all sorts of nasty infections, none of which your PC will actually have. The program will try to convince you to pay for an “upgrade” which will clean all these reported nasties out. From beginning to end, the whole ordeal is a scam designed to steal your money.
I’ve put together a short guide, showing how to spot and avoid these scams, links to ways to remove them, and where to report them if you become a victim. Please check out How to Protect Yourself Against Scareware, on Associated Content. For more in-depth analysis of scareware, see this article from Viruslist.
{ 0 comments… add one now }