Computer Spin Weekly

Computer Spin Weekly

Protect yourself from Fake Anti-Virus Software

From Scambusters.org

Today's issue is about a scam that's growing very fast and that you
really need to be aware of: how fake anti-virus and anti-spyware
software is being used by scammers and identity thieves in many cunning
ways.



Scammers, identity thieves and hackers have grown more sophisticated.
Today, some cyber-criminals are selling -- or giving away -- software
that supposedly fights viruses, spyware and malware.



In fact, their "rogue software" often doesn't work, or actually infects
your computer with the dangerous programs it is supposed to protect
against!



In this issue, we tell you how to distinguish between useless -- or even
malicious -- security software and the real deal. And we'll explain why
you need to be cautious about closing or deleting these alerts, even
when you know they're fake.



Not long ago, a colleague was conducting Internet research when -- pop!
-- a yellow triangle appeared on his screen, warning that his computer
had been infected by dangerous spyware. The alert looked real. He
thought it was "issued" by his security software maker.



Still, he was skeptical. Using his mouse, he closed the alert by
pressing the "x" in the window's upper right-hand corner.



That was his first -- and last -- mistake!



Pop-up ads began sprouting everywhere, his screen froze, and none of his
programs were accessible -- even after rebooting. Basically, his
computer was disabled, and he spent hours on the phone with tech support
to correct the problems.



Welcome to the world of fake anti-virus, anti-spyware programs.



Despite what happened to our friend, it's not that common to encounter
hackers who simply want to harm your computer with fake anti-virus
programs.



In most cases, you'll confront scammers who want to scare you into
buying "rogue" security software by making you think your computer is
infected. ("Rogue" means software of unknown or questionable origin, or
doubtful value.)



In fact, fake "virus alerts" often mimic ones displayed by brand-name
products.



For example: "Your Computer Has Been Infected!" That's what some pop-ups
and phony alerts will say, hoping you'll download fake anti-virus
software. Don't be fooled!



Meanwhile, ID thieves will use the fake software to gather your personal
and financial information -- for their own ID theft scams or for sale to
others.



Fake Virus Scam Tactics

Fake virus alerts are usually generated by a Trojan -- a program that
takes control of your computer -- after you open an email attachment,
click on a pop-up advertisement or visit a particular website. (Adult
sites are special favorites.)



Read more about Trojans on our page on computer Viruses.



If you run programs that provide file-sharing information -- including
some instant messenger (IM) applications -- your computer might be
remotely accessed by scammers, hackers and identity thieves.



Sometimes, the Trojan creates "false positive" readings, making you
think viruses and spyware have infected your computer, even though
nothing has. In other cases, scam software actually implants malicious
code into your computer, especially if you request a "free virus scan."



In other words, some peddlers of fake anti-virus software actually
design the viruses, spyware and malware that their software is supposed
to detect!



What to Look For Rogue Spyware

*Rogue anti-virus/spyware programs often generate more "alerts" than the
software made by reputable companies.



*You may be bombarded with pop-ups, even when you're not online.



*High-pressure sales copy will try to convince you to buy RIGHT NOW!



*If you've been infected, your computer may dramatically slow down.



*Other signs of infection include: new desktop icons; new wallpaper, or
having your default homepage redirected to another site.



(Mac users: if you run Windows using Boot Camp, Parallels or VMWare,
these tips apply to you. However, at the time of this writing, Mac OSX
does not have these problems.)



Fake Anti Virus Prevention Tips

1. Use Firefox as your browser rather than Internet Explorer.



2. Keep your computer updated with the latest anti-virus and
anti-spyware software, and be sure to use a good firewall.



3. Never open an email attachment unless you are POSITIVE about the
source.



4. Do NOT click on any pop-up that advertises anti-virus or anti-spyware
software, especially a program promising to provide every feature known
to mankind. (Also remember: the fakes often mimic well-known brands such
as Grisoft AVG, Norton and McAfee.)



5. If a virus alert appears on your screen, do NOT touch it. Don't use
your mouse to eliminate or scan for viruses, and DON'T use your mouse to
close the window. Instead, hit control + alt + delete to view a list of
programs currently running. Delete the "rogue" from the list of running
programs, and call your computer maker's phone or online tech support
service to learn if you can safely use your computer.



6. Do not download freeware or shareware unless you know it's from a
reputable source. We use Download.com and VersionTracker.



Unfortunately, freeware and shareware programs often come bundled with
spyware, adware or fake anti-virus programs.



7. Avoid questionable websites. Some sites may automatically download
malicious software onto your computer.



8. Reset your current security settings to a higher level.



9. Although fake software may closely resemble the real thing, it's
rarely an exact match. Look for suspicious discrepancies.



10. Check out this list of rogue/fake anti-virus and anti-spyware
products.



http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm



If your computer is infected by rogue software, stop work and contact
your computer manufacturer's tech-support hotline. Don't keep using the
computer. This may further damage your machine and provide identity
thieves with more information about you.



Use of fake anti-virus, anti-spyware software is a fast-growing scam,
especially as more people become aware of the dangers of spyware, adware
and malware. By following the tips above, however, you'll better protect
yourself from becoming the next victim of scammers, identity thieves and
hackers.



That's it for today -- we hope you enjoy your week!