Software Cracker With Bogus Anti-Virus

CA the security company has issued an alert to computer users who crack legally designed software only because it could be obtained for free. Says the company, maliciously-intended people have been employing software crackers as bait for malware.

Of late, specialists at CA noticed 'Dr. Guard,' a software-cracking program. This program includes a fake anti-malware application. When run, the packaged rogue application identified as Win32/Multidropper runs the cracking program as well as plants additional malware onto the user's computer. These additional malware are information stealers, file installers or a FAKEAV. CA detected Dr. Guard as Win32/WindowsAntivirusPro! Generic.

Moreover, Dr. Guard represents the family of fresh bogus security applications that have been converted into ransomware before letting loose. Once the malware is loaded to an end-user's computer, it will continuously generate alert pop-ups and steal access to the supposedly highly contaminated system. Further the alerts prompt the user to purchase so-called anti-virus software (complete edition) if he wants to clean his system.

A few IT specialists suspect that the promoters of Dr. Guard have joined up with deceitful information technology geeks to disseminate illicit or partially illicit spyware. This program though doesn't directly harm users, yet it gathers information about their behavior. Based on such mass monitoring, user information is generated, while users potentially spend cash to purchase the Dr. Guard adware post running its free software. Nevertheless, this is only a presumption that may be mistaken.

Thus, to keep users secured, CA's security specialists have advised them not trust the scam. While users would lose their cash, which they thought could be saved at the very outset via the software cracking exercise; they would also end up having their computers infected.

In addition to the above, users must update all security software and other applications on their systems. Also, they must know about the most recent threats lurking online. Moreover, they must run scanners to spot viruses in case Dr. Guard is on their machines.

Furthermore according to the specialists, people should utilize legal, paid security applications, as they could be made up-to-date while they could save users from any such mess.

Related article: Software Giant Microsoft Becoming More Spam Affectionate

» SPAMfighter News - 3/11/2010