Privacy, Security & Virus Information

Fake anti-virus solution

A fake anti-virus solution is a particularly low trick to play, but, when computer hackers are out there in cyber space determined to literally rip details from people's computers, it's perhaps no surprise that there use is more popular than ever.

When an inexperienced, or occasional computer user comes across a web-site that promises great downloads, such as an innocent looking screen-saver, what they actually could be downloading is a small application which infiltrates their computer, creating new files in the Windows folder, or the actual system folder, which it then claims poses a threat.

The ingenuity of this method allows the infiltrated bug to bypass the existing security software.

The user suddenly finds that his, or her computer starts flashing up warnings that their computers has a security problem. The great irony of course is that yes, it does have a security problem; caused by the very software now bogusly making the claims.

One such fake anti-virus solution is Antivirus XP 2008, which sits on people's computers, makes changes to the screen background and settings, and then informs the user of all kinds of security problems.

Of course the next step is obvious; the user is 'forced' in to buying what they think is the anti-virus solution, a fake. And when money has passed hands, a new threat will be alerted and new money requested for another solution. And this will go on until the user realises that they have a compromised computer and need to seek professional help quickly.

This type of bug comes from the appropriately named Trojan family and is particularly invidious and aggressive.

So, what can you do to keep the Trojan horses at bay? Firstly, afford the best security software you can buy and ensure that is covers all types of attacks, not just the common viruses. Also, get cover that updates regularly. New bugs are invented and set to use on a daily basis, so you need cover that can perpetually update itself regarding the latest threats. Also, avoid switching off, or delaying security scan checks; it may at times slow your computer down, or start at an annoying time, but you have to let the security software do its job.

And if the creator of your operating system offers updates, then remember to use them, as all software applications have glitches and need patches and updates to make them secure.

And finally, the best advice of all, is to be very cautious of what you are downloading. Do you really need that screen saver, can you really say it's free of bugs and malicious applications? Don't be attracted by all that glitters and shines on the internet. There is a whole industry out there who make a living prying your money from you via your computer. Make life just that bit harder for them by not falling for their online ruses.

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