How To Protect Your Computer Against Fake Antivirus Malware

By Anna Peters


The most common and relentless threat to web users is the fake antivirus. This malware has more than half a million variations, which lure users onto infected sites through social engineering. The technique used to accomplish this is known as blackhat SEO. This type of malware infects your system and destroys files, programs, and directories. There are certain things to know about how to recognize and protect against fake antivirus.

When the phony antivirus software is downloaded to your system, it will give you a warning that your computer has been infected by a number of threats. You will then be urged to download or buy software that will get rid of the virus, but in actuality, it does not exist. Until you buy the false program, you will keep getting the annoying pop up warnings.

It is important that users learn how the software is distributed and the effect it has on your computer. Users also need to understand what the risks are when they become victims of malicious software. It is highly recommended that folks learn what they can do to keep this kind of virus from getting into and infecting their systems. The biggest risk with malware is the exploitation of identifiable data.

It is important to understand that users are deceived into purchasing programs claiming to remove malware. The truth is that the software actually brings malware into the computer. Disguised as security software, this malicious software becomes a serious threat to your system.

Another technique that is used for infecting computers is cold calling. This scam involves people calling you and informing you they are employed by a reputable software business. They inform you that your system has been infected. After several questions they attempt to sell you fraudulent antivirus software.

This so called security software relies on social engineering to defeat the security that is built into your computer system. In addition, it gets around the browser software installing itself onto your computer. This is done by displaying a fake warning indicating your machine has been infected with a virus. You are encouraged to download and install or buy software that will fix the problem.

The warning window will not close until you click on the download or buy button. As soon as you click the button you instantaneously infect your system. Many of the phony antivirus software are classified as Trojan horses. The Trojan can be disguised as many things including a free scanning service for malware. Other rogue software will download itself and attach to your email contacts sending out the virus and installing automatically.

One of the best ways to protect your computer against fake antivirus software is to be aware of the various types. If you receive an email from someone on your contact list that looks suspect, delete it immediately. If one of the windows claiming your system is infected pops up, shut down your computer right away. Do some research to find out exactly what threats are currently circulating and what you need to protect your system.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment