Saturday 11 August 2012

Discover How To Guard Your Computer From Fake Antivirus Malware

By Gary N. Smith


One of the most popular threats there is to the web user is fake antivirus software. The phony programs have over half of a million varieties that are designed to lure folks to sites that are infected. Blackhat search engine optimizers are used to accomplish the task. The malware will infect your computer destroying programs, directories, and all your files in the process. There are things that you need to know to be able to identify the viruses and protect your system.

When the bogus antivirus program is downloaded to your system a warning pops up that tells the user their computer has been infected. The user is then prompted to buy software to rid the computer of the threat that is nonexistent. The warning will continue to pop up until the false program is purchased.

It is good to understand how malware is distributed and the affect it has on your computer. Know the risks that are involved when you become a victim. Learn how to keep these threats from accessing your computer and infecting other users. Keep in mind that the biggest risk is the exploitation of identifiable information.

It is very important that people understand how they are conned into buying a program that is supposed to remove the virus. In reality the programs that are sold are viruses and will seriously infect your system. They are disguised as security programs that will infect your computer.

Cold calling is also a method that is used for infecting your computer. Typically, you receive a call from an individual claiming to be employed by a famous software business. They state that they can see that your computer has been infected. They proceed with a series of inquiries and try to get you to purchase phony 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 display does not close unless the user clicks the buy or download button. When the button is simply clicked, your computer will be infected. These fake antivirus programs are called Trojan horses. A Trojan may disguise itself as a number of different things that include offers for free malware scanning software. There are other rogue software downloads that will attach to the users contact list and send the virus out to automatically install.

To keep computers protected from fake antivirus programs make certain you can identify the different threats. Even when you get email from those you trust, check it to see if there is anything suspicious. If there is anything that is suspect you should immediately delete it. If a window pops up that warns you have been infected by a virus, shut your computer down immediately. Learn what threats are going around and how to protect yourself.




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