A Guide to Scareware & Fake Anti Virus Software
How to Avoid Being Scammed by False Computer Security Virus Alerts
Oct 20, 2009
The use of scareware has caught out a lot of consumers over the last few months. The tactics used here are designed to scare individuals into taking specific actions on the guidance of a fake security message. This has led many to download potentially harmful viruses and some have had their credit card details obtained under false pretences. What is scareware and how can a user avoid its problems?
Scareware Uses Fake Anti Virus Messages
As its name suggests this kind of activity is meant to frighten someone into doing something that they may not normally do. Most tactics here will use a false message that tells the user that their computer is compromised from a security, registry or anti virus perspective. This message will often pop up as the user is surfing and in some cases it may mimic the "blue screen of death" error message.
Even savvy Internet users have been caught out here. The pop up messages that are used are often very similar in look and feel to those used by major technology companies. They often look very real. The fear of having a virus or a related problem on their machines leads many to do exactly what they shouldn't. When they click on the message to get the help it offers, they allow the scammers in.
Why is Scareware Harmful?
There are various consequences that the user could experience if they do click on one of these messages. They may, for example:
- Download a virus or some form of tracking software that threatens the integrity of their computer security. This could leave them open to operational problems or it could open up their personal data to scammers.
- Enter credit card/payment details into the scareware screen. This will basically give their financial data to web criminals who will either try to use it or sell it on.
- Download a ransomware program. This may disable their computer and make it unusable at which point they will be asked to pay to have it released.
Bear in mind that these kinds of fake anti virus programs are only harmful if they are actioned. Being aware that they exist and taking measures against them may prevent them doing any damage.
What to do With Fake Anti Virus Messages
Prevention is better than any cure here. Consumers that regularly surf the Internet should seriously look at putting a robust anti virus and/or security system in place in any case. This will help prevent these messages posing problems in the first place. This doesn't have to be costly as there are a variety of free anti virus solutions that could be used here.
Those faced with a scareware message should take care not to click on it in any way. This includes any buttons that allow the user to say no to the offer or even the X button that traditionally closes programs down. The easiest way to get out of this situation is to close down the browser itself and then run an anti virus scan to eliminate the problem.
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