Fake Anti-Virus Software and Other Misleading Applications
October 23rd, 2008 Posted in Uncategorized
This year has seen a rise in mal-ware disguising itself as legitimate anti-virus software. The programs and graphical interfaces are not as crude as the past. Some of the popular fakes are Anti-Virus XP 2008 or Anti-Virus Plasma. The programs are often accidentally installed by users who see a familiar looking pop-up warning them that their computer is infected. Users typically click on the pop-up thinking that this is their own anti-virus software and they are trying to do the right thing. Then next thing you know, your computer is flooded with exaggerated reports of infection, sometimes to the point that the computer is impossible to work on.
These programs typically are the gateway to other mal-ware programs. They often contain a downloader in their payload and will download other malicious software. But hackers are smarter now, and not just writing viruses to mess up your computer for no reason. Viruses are big business for hackers, and they are using them to cash in on everything from identity theft to spam. The worst viruses are the ones that go unnoticed for sometime and slowly steal all your information. The best information I can give to home users, is read carefully what that pop-up says, don’t click on it if you are unsure, don’t let it scare you into making a decision. Do your best to protect yourself before you get exposed and download AVG, it’s free for home use. I use it and love it.
Be Safe,
Matt Dubois
