Your Computer Is Infected with Malware!
Click here to purchase recommended anti-virus software!
Click here to purchase recommended anti-virus software!
You may be familiar with this or similar messages urging you to take
action purportedly designed to clean your allegedly infected computer.
Unfortunately, these messages are often scams that attempt to install
malicious software (malware) onto your computer. Such software is
referred to as rogue (fake) anti-virus software. Last year, the FBI
reported an estimated loss to victims in excess of $150 million from
this type of scam.
How can my system get infected?
These types of scams can be perpetrated in a number of ways, including
via website pop-up messages, web banner advertisements, spam and
postings on social networking sites. Scams are also appearing via the
use of "tweeting." The rogue anti-virus software scam generally uses
social engineering to make the user believe his or her machine is
infected and that by taking action (clicking on the link provided) the
machine will be cleaned. If you click on the malicious link, you may be
downloading malware onto your machine. The names of the fake programs
sound legitimate, and often, in a further attempt to make the malware
appear legitimate, the programs may prompt you to pay for an annual
subscription for the fake software.
Some varieties of rogue anti-virus programs will also get installed
on your machine without any interaction by you. Your machine could be
compromised just by you visiting a website with a malicious ad or code.
What is the impact from rogue anti-virus software?
Rogue anti-virus software might perform many activities, including
installing files to monitor your computer use, steal credentials,
install backdoor programs, and add your computer to a botnet. The
installation of malware could result in a high-jacked browser (i.e., the
browser navigates to sites you did not intend), the appearance of new
or unexpected toolbars or icons and sluggish system performance.
Additionally, another concern related to rogue anti-virus software is
the false sense of security you may have, erroneously believing your
machine is protected by anti-virus software when in fact it is not.
What can I do to protect my computer?
Applying computer security best practices will help protect your machine and minimize any potential impacts.
- Don't click on pop-up ads that advertise anti-virus or anti-spyware programs. If you are interested in a security product, don't try to access it through a pop-up ad; contact the retailer directly through its home page, retail outlet or other legitimate contact methods.
- Don't download software from unknown sources. Some free software applications may come bundled with other programs, including malware.
- Use and regularly update firewalls, anti-virus, and anti-spyware programs. Keep these programs updated regularly. Use the auto-update feature, if available.
- Patch operating systems, browsers, and other software programs. Keep your system and programs updated and patched so that your computer will not be exposed to known vulnerabilities and attacks.
- Regularly scan and clean your computer. Scan your computer with your anti-virus and anti-spyware on a regular basis.
- Back up your critical files. In the event that your machine becomes infected, having backups of your important files will facilitate recovery.
NOTE: Regarding the above recommendations, many organizations have
formal processes that automatically update and patch appropriate
software, scan computers and perform file back-ups. In these cases, no
end user action is necessary.
For more information, please visit:
Partial Listing of Rogue Security Software: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rogue_software
Free Security Checks: www.staysafeonline.info/content/free-security-check-ups
Malware: www.onguardonline.gov/topics/malware.aspx
Spyware: www.onguardonline.gov/topics/spyware.aspx
http://www.fbi.gov/cyberinvest/escams.htm
Free Security Checks: www.staysafeonline.info/content/free-security-check-ups
Malware: www.onguardonline.gov/topics/malware.aspx
Spyware: www.onguardonline.gov/topics/spyware.aspx
http://www.fbi.gov/cyberinvest/escams.htm
Source of article : Colorado Governor's Office of Information Technology
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