This is part 2 in our series of security threats to be aware of in 2010.

THREAT #2: Scare-ware

What our experts say....

You've probably seen it on your screen before. The situation: you're surfing the internet and a window pops up saying "Your computer has been infected with a virus.  Click here for a free scan."  This rogue software, also known as scare-ware, looks as legitimate as a real antivirus program, but it is not. In fact, scare-ware is a type of malware designed to trick victims into purchasing and downloading useless and potentially dangerous software. Usually, when a person's computer is infected with this type of program, pop-ups will plague the screen until you download their supposed anti-virus software. This type of malicious program is also called "ransom-ware" because it will slow down your computer and cause all kinds of problems until you pay the money for the download. Some of these fake anti-virus programs look very legitimate and professional and use names and graphics that look identical to authentic anti-virus programs.

Unfortunately, because of the huge profit these cyber criminals gain from marketing these products, we expect them to become even more furtive and multifaceted in the year ahead.

 

Your best defense....

Your best defense is always to have up-to-date anti-malware software installed and your engine and definitions up-to-date.  Your next, and arguably most important, defense is to never click on unknown links in email or on the web.  Always look at your status bar to see if the link you think you're clicking is actually where you're being redirected.  Even this can be spoofed.  Best advice?  Don't go places you don't know or aren't familiar with the website.

Further, any time you get a popup from alleged antivirus or anti-malware software, never click buttons anywhere on the screen until you've fully investigated the origin of the popup.  Look at the title bar of the window - is it from your a/v software?  Look at the icon - either in the corner of the window or in the taskbar - is that you're a/v software's icon?  Double-check to see if your a/v software is running.  Open it and see if there's a message there.  Most important - no reputable a/v or antimalware company is going to have you "click here" for a website that asks you to pay.  If the software is installed, it will have an update or renew feature within the program.  Use the built-in feature, never click a link you don't understand.  If you have fully investigated the window and still are unsure - ask someone knowledgeable in computers and security software to look at it.  You never know what might happen.  And remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!