DLS 101 - How to spot a fake Windows antivirus program

Filed under: Security, Windows, Troubleshooting, DLS 101

One of the most common problems I tackle on Windows computers is the removal of rogue antivirus programs. Just what is a rogue antivirus? It's malware that disguises itself as a legitimate antivirus program.

Unlike Avast, AVG, Kaspersky, Norton, or any of the other real antivirus options out there, a rogue will do nothing to protect you. Rather, it's going to try to deceive you into paying for a full version or removal tool. It may even open a backdoor to your system and start downloading other annoying, nasty programs.

How do these programs get on people's computers in the first place? Usually through deceptive pop-ups on web. Often these "alerts" will try to trick you into thinking:

• porn and illegal files have been found on your computer
• a scan has found virus and malware infections on your system
• your system is totally unprotected

They're all scare tactics designed to get you to clicking something that you really don't want to click. Some go to great lengths to deceive, copying actual Windows screens as closely as possible.

Continue reading DLS 101 - How to spot a fake Windows antivirus program

DLS 101 - How to spot a fake Windows antivirus program originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments