Scareware is a growing threat to your computer’s security
18 Jan 2010 - DaveScareware was around for a couple of years but it definitely appears on the rise. The number of calls is increasing. I got of a dozen questions about scareware in the last couple weeks.
Scareware comprises several classes of scam software{.mw-redirect}, often with limited or no benefit, sold to consumers via certain unethical marketing practices. The selling approach causes shock, anxiety, or perception of a threat{.extiw}, generally directed at an unsuspecting user. Some forms of spyware and adware also use scareware tactics.
A tactic often used by criminals involves convincing users that a virus has infected their computer, then suggesting that they download (and pay for) antivirus software to remove it.[1] Usually the virus is entirely fictional and the software is non-functional or malware itself.[2] According to the Anti-Phishing Working Group, the number of scareware packages in circulation rose from 2,850 to 9,287 in the second half of 2008.[3] In the first half of 2009, the APWG identified a 583% increase in scareware programs.[4]
The “scareware” label can also apply to any application or virus (not necessarily sold as above) which pranks users with intent to cause anxiety or panic.
It is important not to over react.
That is what the Scareware is hoping for.
Most of the time (but not always) the popup warning is a web page and not a real warning. If that is the case you can close it with the alt-F4 shortcut or Task Manager.
It is best to avoid clicking in the popup window.
Prevention is the best solution. Here are a few tips.
Upgrade Internet Explorer if you are using version 6
- Do not use Internet Explorer version 6.
- Upgrade to IE 7 or IE 8.
- The upgrade is free.
Stay up to date with Windows Security Updates.
- This is how Microsoft patches issues with Internet Explorer and Windows.
- Windows provides a few options for managing the updates. Just don’t turn it off.
Use Antivirus and anti-spyware software.
- Keep them up to date.
- There are free options so cost is no excuse. Google for AVG, Microsoft Security Essentials and Spybot to name a few.
- Take the time to scan your computer. It saves a lot of time later.
Use Firefox as your default web browser.
- Scareware appears to come through advertisements on websites. Ad networks deliver the advertisements. I use a Firefox add-in called Adblock Plus. It is a good layer of defense and Adblock can get rid of those annoying banner ads also.
- Internet Explorer is the main target because it is the most popular web browser. Using Firefox means there aren’t as many threats looking for you. That is until Firefox becomes the most popular…but that’s not today.
Don’t panic!
- When you get a warning take a minute before clicking on it.
- Try the alt-F4 shortcut to close the popup if it looks suspicious.
- Try Task Manager to find the popup and end it.
- It wouldn’t be a bad idea to scan your computer with the antivirus and anti-spyware software that you installed after getting a popup.