Scareware Isn’t Scary if You Know What to Look For

The popularity of security software has required malware distributors to be clever with their delivery methods. This is why rogue security software exists, and why you need to be absolutely certain that your network doesn’t have these fraudulent programs installed.

The concept of rogue software is very simple: online security and its importance have only grown in urgency in the last few years, especially with the news being filled with story after story of the damage the latest hacking attacks have caused. Therefore, when a message appears claiming that a virus was discovered on their computer and they need to download the latest “antimalware” tool (that is actually a malware delivery package), the target often clicks “Okay” without hesitation.
Technically speaking, rogue security software of this type is classified as a form of scareware, a classification it certainly lives up to through its reliance on intimidating its victims with tales of detected malware infections. The fact that these pieces of rogue software often earn their propagators a commission for spreading them, doesn’t make the situation any less concerning.
One rogue security software scam includes the software reporting viruses that aren’t there, or, even worse, were put there by the software itself. On the other hand, some of these programs will intentionally fail to report issues on your PC so that these issues can continue to propagate without your knowledge. Some programs even prevent legitimate antivirus software from updating, or can go so far as to prevent the user from visiting the websites of legitimate antivirus vendors.
Law enforcement has begun to take steps against these kinds of software, but due to a slow start on their part, your own vigilance is still your best defense. Kaspersky Lab has a useful list of known rogue security software to avoid:
A-Fast Antivirus
Advanced Antispyware Solution
AKM Antivirus 2010 Pro
Antimalware Doctor (Personal Antimalware Center)
Antimalware PC Safety
AntiSpyware Soft
Antivir Solution Pro
Antivirus: Rogue security software
Antivirus 7: Rogue security software
Antivirus Protection 2012
Antivirus Smart Protection
Antivirus Soft: Rogue security software
Antivirus Suite
AntivirusGT
APcSafe: Rogue security software
APcSecure: Rogue security software
AV Protection 2011
AV Security 2012
Best Virus Protection
ByteDefender
CleanUP Antivirus: Rogue Security Software
Cloud AV 2012
Control Components
Digital Protection
ErrorFix: Rogue security software
GuardWWW:Rogue security software
Home Malware Cleaner
Internet Security 2012
Internet Security Guard
Malware Protection Center
My Security Engine
MyPcSecure: Rogue security software
New Antivirus 2010
PcSecureNet: Rogue security software
PcsSecure: Rogue security software
Privacy Protection
ProtectDefender: Rogue security software
RegistryFox: Rogue security software
RegTool: Rogue security software
RST Antivirus 2010
SafePcAv: Rogue security software
Security Defender
Security Scanner 2012
Security Tool
Smart Anti-Malware Protection
Smart Fortress 2012
SMART HDD
Smart Protection 2012
Spy Doc Pro: Rogue security software
SpyEraser: Rogue security software
System Check
System Fix
ThinkPoint
Total PC Defender
User Antivirus 2010
User Protection: Rogue security software
Vista Antivirus: Rogue security software
Win Antispyware Center
Windows Active Guard
Windows Activity Debugger
Windows Antibreaking System
Windows Antihazard Center
Windows Antivirus Patch
Windows Antivirus Rampart
Windows Attacks Defender
Windows Attacks Preventor
Windows Care Taker
Windows Cleaning Tools
Windows Component Protector
Windows Crucial Scanner
Windows Custodian Utility
Windows Defence Counsel
Windows Eciency Accelerator
Windows Eciency Reservoir
Windows Firewall Constructor
Windows First-Class Protector
Windows Functionality Checker
Windows Guard Solutions
Windows Home Patron
Windows Managing System
Windows Multi Control System
Windows PC Defender
Windows Performance Adviser
Windows Personal Doctor
Windows Premium Defender
Windows Premium Guard
Windows Private Shield
Windows Pro Safety
Windows Pro Scanner
Windows Protection Master
Windows Protection Unit
Windows Safety Toolkit
Windows Security Renewal
Windows Security System
Windows Shield Tool
Windows Shielding Utility
Windows Smart Partner
Windows Smart Warden
Windows Software Saver
Windows Stability Guard
Windows Stability Maximizer
Windows Telemetry Center
Windows Threats Destroyer
Windows Trouble Taker
Windows Ultimate Security Patch
Windows Virtual Angel
Windows Virtual Firewall
Windows Warding System
Windows Web Combat
XJR Antivirus
XP Antivirus 2012 (MultiFakeAV )
XP Antivirus Pro 2010: Rogue security software
Your Protection
Rogue security software can have a negative impact on any organization. The team at Midnight Blue can help keep your network safe from these threats. Our technicians will work to prevent scareware and rogue security software from establishing a foothold on your network. Call us today at 412.342.3800 to get started.