Computer Experts Warning Users about Fake AV sites

According to specialists at ITACS (Independent Trade Association of Computer Specialists), e-mail scammers are developing new methods to distribute computer viruses or steal personal information.

Recently, an increasing number of people have become victims of 'scareware' mongers who deliver bogus security software that actually cause a computer to collapse and ultimately leave it exposed to data theft.

Moreover, fraudsters are tricking users with a fake alert, saying that their computers are infected with malicious software; therefore, they need to buy an antivirus solution that is actually bogus. It is reported that in 2008, several websites were shut down when the US authorities acted to stop 'scareware' sellers.

However, in spite of these closures, the aggregate of fraudulent sites is increasing, said experts at ITACS. They also comment that these sites are now the greatest threat endangering computer users. The Association reports that in Lincoln alone, there were over 300 computer users during August 2008-January 2009 who had become infected with false AV programs.

In the most recent incident, during the 3rd week of February 2009, hackers attacked Facebook members with a fake "Error Check System" that appeared innocuous. However, on using the term for a Google search, users were led to several Internet sites that pretended to provide information about the alleged warning. But in reality, they installed malicious software on their PCs.

Meanwhile, although Google has fixed the problem, during the weekend, there have been a few initial links that redirected the users to a fraudulent website that warned them of a virus infection on their computers.

In addition, hackers have been sticking bogus parking slips on motorcars, which direct their owners to browse a certain website that would display images along with information regarding their parking preferences. But the site actually downloads a Trojan asking users to load a fake AV.

Commenting on the matter, security experts stated that no expertise was needed to replicate a particular website and subsequently give it a realistic appearance. Therefore, visitors must not only look for the company's logo but also examine the site's URL and domain.

Related article: Computer Virus Writers Adopt New Strategy

» SPAMfighter News - 3/3/2009