Fake or Rogue Antivirus programs are a form of malicious software that tries to trick you into downloading the program (and sometimes paying for the program) to remove fictitious and non-existent virus threats. Unfortunately, Rogue Antivirus is becoming a large problem for many users on home personal computers and work laptops.
How does fake antivirus get on your computer?
There are a number of ways that Rogue Antivirus gets on your computer, but the most common is through fake pop-up windows and fake alerts that indicate that your computer is infected. These alerts attempt to scare the user into downloading the software to remove the fake virus or resolve the fake issue. It is important that everyone understand that these are fake warnings. Monroe Community College uses Microsoft System Center Endpoint Protection products and will download your signature updates automatically.
Other common ways Rogue or Fake Antivirus gets on your computer include:
* Fake browser plugins and infected browser toolbars
* Fake online malware scanning websites
* Drive-by-downloads
Drive-by-downloads occurs when you visit a compromised web site that attempts to take advantage of an unpatched vulnerability in your web browser or operating system and will download and install software without your knowledge. Drive-by-downloads are a major way malware spreads online.
In other words, beware of free software download and stay on well-known websites, make sure your computer’s operating system and browser is up-to-date with patches.
This message is brought to you by the Cyber Security Awareness Committee
Donna Pogroszewski
Communications and Network Services
10/06/2014 |