The Internet is a dangerous place for the unwary cyberspace traveler. Cyber-Scam Artists are eager to take your money, your identity, and your computer's capabilities. The simple fact is that the risks out-weigh the costs to stay secure, but many people aren't receiving that message. This article is going to shed some light on a particular type of malicious software (malware) called a rogue security program. In particular we’ll be talking about PC Antispyware 2010. But first a word of sincere caution.
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If you are running a version of Microsoft Windows, and your system is not set to automatically check for, download, and apply
security updates (patches) and/or you do not have an up-to-date and bona fide antivirus or
anti-spyware program running - don’t even finish reading this article before you remedy those two things. When you have ensured those two things are in place, I’ll meet you in the next paragraph.
Welcome back. One of the worst scams around right now is a piece of
malicious software (malware) called "
PC Antispyware 2010". Why is it one of the worst scams going? Because it looks authentic (even using a color scheme that is reminiscent of a Microsoft product), and it preys upon the unwary who have procrastinated in purchasing and/or updating their anti-virus and
anti-spyware software. As it turns out - this is a large number of people. Because it fools people into giving away their credit card information it also damages egos and has triggered harmful anger and shame in more than one victim.
What does it do? The malware presents a compelling case for you to install it. It shows you that you are at risk by presenting a realistic but bogus scan results window, claiming to have already found virus or
spyware programs on your system. It generally does this through pop up windows and/or website advertisements offering a free online-scan. Once the user clicks to install the software, or run the free scan, it is, as we say - "game over". At that point the victim's system is compromised. It will continue to present false reports and urge you to buy the product every time you reboot your system. However, the product is a complete sham. It not only does nothing to help your system, in fact it opens your system up for greater abuses.
This malicious software (malware) is of a category called
rogue security malware. Some people also call it "scareware", because it attempts to scare an end user into purchasing a bogus program.
As is the case with
PC Antispyware 2010, rogue security malware often times disables legitimate anti-virus or anti-spyware software to protect itself from being removed. It also disables the auto-update feature in Windows, leaving you more vulnerable to a legion of ever-increasing threats. In addition to blocking bona fide Anti-virus company websites,
PC Antispyware 2010 will also hijack your Internet Explorer and/or Firefox browser to force you to visit sites where more malicious software will be promoted.
If you have installed
PC Antispyware 2010 or any of its malicious friends such as
Home Antivirus 2010, PC Security 2009, or others - you should seek the assistance of an Information Security specialist. While you may be able to find instructions on the Internet for removing the particular program, your system may already have been compromised further via other
malware programs such as root kits. You shouldn’t assume that your local PC technician is an expert when it comes to identifying and removing advanced malware. You should seek out a person who is certified with such certifications as CISSP and/or GREM.
If you simply cannot afford to pay a professional, or are too embarrassed to let anyone know about your incident - your best bet is to back up your data (data only! no programs) and rebuild your system from scratch. Then update and patch all of your applications, and install and update a real
anti-virus program before restoring your data. In many cases, this may be the route that a professional would take to minimize time spent on the job. It is the surest way to be able to trust your computer with your private information again.
Moving forward we must be proactive and informed netizens! Waiting until a security incident happens is simply too costly in time and potential asset loss.