Explore the latest news and trends  

Sign up for our weekly security newsletter


Be the first to receive important updates on security





Send

Bogus Anti-virus Scammers Pretend to be Microsoft

According to Webroot, its security researchers have noticed a rise in bogus anti-virus (AV) campaigns, which exploit Microsoft's name and reputation.

They (researchers), lately, detected one ongoing scam, which involves many websites being rotated continuously, while displaying an alert that imitates one from Microsoft Security Essentials.

In this alert, that's actually false, it's said that Microsoft Security Essentials spotted possible malware which can hijack the user's privacy alternatively harm his PC. Therefore, the end-user should cleanse his system instantly for averting a system crash.

The researchers then indicate that it's possible to recognize the fake alert via several methods. First, it is one website message rather than any program. Second, the website's location is depicted through an arbitrary series of letters.

Despite so, many end-users are likely to believe the alert and click on "Clean Computer" option given in the message. The result, will however, be downloading of certain .exe file, which installs "XP Security Cleaner Pro," one bogus malware removal software onto their PCs, along with many other harmful files.

The bogus anti-virus subsequently announces harmless software as malicious program as well as tells the end-user to send money to get it removed.

Meanwhile according to the researchers, they're sure probable victims will get diverted onto the bogus AV sites through malevolent advertisement web-links. They as well believe that the bogus anti-virus websites normally don't remain active beyond 24-48 hrs. Still, this brief time-span is sufficient for contaminating numerous computers.

However, for safeguarding oneself from such assaults, users should follow certain tips: First, they should know that Microsoft won't ever communicate with them about infection on their PCs. Second, they must persistently ensure there's anti-virus software on their computers. Third, they must always maintain up-to-date operating system along with other software. Fourth, they must utilize ad-blocker programs while running a Web-browser. Lastly, they mustn't follow dubious web-links alternatively, view attachments within unsolicited e-mails.

Still, if anybody's computer gets contaminated with bogus anti-virus, he should execute a reputed AV program by keeping the OS in Safe Mode, avoiding elimination physically/manually as it's not only very difficult but may also harm the computer severely.

ยป SPAMfighter News - 5/8/2013

3 simple steps to update drivers on your Windows PCSlow PC? Optimize your Slow PC with SLOW-PCfighter!Email Cluttered with Spam? Free Spam Filter!

Dear Reader

We are happy to see you are reading our IT Security News.

We do believe, that the foundation for a good work environment starts with fast, secure and high performing computers. If you agree, then you should take a look at our Business Solutions to Spam Filter & Antivirus for even the latest version of Exchange Servers - your colleagues will appreciate it!

Go back to previous page
Next