Fake Anti Virus

One of if not the most common problem I deal with at the moment on home PC’s and laptops is the fake antivirus, malware or security alert software. Wikipedia describes it pretty well:

“Rogue security software mainly relies on social engineering (fraud) in order to defeat the security built into modern operating system and browser software and install itself onto victims’ computers.[3] A website may, for example, display a fictitious warning dialog stating that someone’s machine is infected, and encourage them through social engineering to install or purchase scareware.
Most have a Trojan horse component, which users are misled into installing. The Trojan may be disguised as:
A browser plug-in or extension (typically toolbar)
An image, screensaver or archive file attached to an e-mail message
Multimedia codec required to play a certain video clip
Software shared on peer-to-peer networks[4]
A free online malware scanning service[5]
Some rogue security software, however, propagate onto users computers as drive-by downloads which exploit security vulnerabilities in web browsers, pdf viewers, or e-mail clients to install themselves without any manual interaction.[4][6]
More recently, malware distributors have been utilizing SEO poisoning techniques by pushing infected URLs to the top of search engine results about recent news events. People looking for articles on such events on a search engine may encounter results that, upon being clicked, are instead redirected through a series of sites[7] before arriving at a landing page that says that their machine is infected and pushes a download to a “trial” of the rogue program.[8][9] A 2010 study by Google found 11,000 domains hosting fake anti-virus software, accounting for 50% of all malware delivered via internet advertising.[10]” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rogue_security_software

Added to this type of attack I have seen a huge rise (0 instances in 2010 to 14 so far in 2011) of people being called by people claiming to be from either Microsoft or some company that works for them, claiming that the calls recipient has an infection on their PC and that the caller has been authorised to repair it. They then direct the caller to either a compromised website or as in one case get them to download remote access software to that they can carry out this “repair”. As well looking to access any private information you may have on your PC, the caller will look for a “one time” payment, which can get them a payment and your credit card details. In all cases the PC’s if directed to the website were infected with at least one Trojan as well as a variety of other malware. Information Week quotes Panda Security labs stating that malware infection are up 26% this year.

The warning is simple, be very cautious of what links you click, what you agree to download and never deal with anyone that cold calls you claiming to be from a computer repair company who happens to know somehow that your computer is infected and they have the cure if you can just whip out your credit card.

For those that are interested here is a list of some of the fake software out on the web:

Ad-Protect
Ad-Purge Adware & Spyware Remover
Ad-Where 2005
Ad Butcher
AdArmor
AdDriller
AddwareRemover
Addwere
AdEradicator
AdFlusher
AdProtector
ADS Adware Remover
Ads Alert
AdScrub
AdStriker
AdsZapper
Advanced Antivirus
Advanced Spyware Detect
Advanced Spyware Remover
Advanced Virus Remover
AdvancedCleaner
AdvancedXPDefender
AdvancedXPFixer
Adware-Nuker
Adware Agent
Adware Bazooka
Adware Butcher
Adware Cops
Adware Filter
Adware Hitman
AdWare Pro 2009
Adware Punisher
Adware Remover
Adware Remover Gold
Adware Sheriff
AdWare SpyWare Blocker & Removal
Adware Striker
Adware & Spyware Firewall
AdwareAlert
AdwareBlaster
AdwareBlocker
AdwareCatch
AdwareCatcher
AdwareCheck
AdwareChecker
AdwareCleaner
AdwareCrusher
AdwareDelete
AdwareDeluxe
AdwareDestroyer
AdwareDetect
AdwareEradicator
AdwareEraser
AdwareFinder
AdwareFlush
AdwareFlusher
AdwareGuard
AdwareGuardian
AdwareHunter
AdwareInspector
AdwarePatrol
AdwarePolice
AdwarePro
AdwarePunisher
AdwareRemover
AdwareSafe
AdwareSafety
AdwareSanitizer
AdwareScanner
AdwareScrub
AdwareScrubber
AdwareSheriff
AdwareShield
AdwareShredder
AdwareSpy
AdwareSquash
AdwareSquasher
AdwareStopper
AdwareStriker
AdwareSweep
AdwareSweeper
AdwareTerminator
AdwareTools
AdwareWasher
AdwareWatch
AdwareWipe
AdwareX
AdwareX Eliminator
AdwareZapper
Adware/Spyware Remover
Agent Spyware
AgentSpyware
AGuardDog Adware/Spyware Remover
AGuardDog Suite
AlertSpy
AlfaCleaner
ANG AntiVirus 09
Anti-Spyware Blocker
Anti-Virus and Spyware
Anti-Virus and Trojan
Anti-Virus Number 1
Anti Virus Pro
AntieSpiaDorado
AntieSpionsPack
AntiGusanos2008
AntiMalware 2009
AntiMalwareGuard
AntiMalwareSuite
AntiRogue Killer (AntiRogueKiller)
AntiSpionage
AntiSpionagePro
AntiSpy
AntiSpy Advanced
Antispy Protector 2009
AntiSpyBoss
Antispycheck
AntiSpyCheck
AntiSpyGolden
AntiSpyGuard
AntiSpyKit
AntiSpyPro
AntispySpider
AntispyStorm
AntiSpyStorm
AntiSpyStorm2008
Antispyware 2008 XP (Antispyware2008XP)
AntiSpyware 3000
Antispyware Expert
Antispyware Pro 2009
Antispyware PRO XP
AntiSpyware Protector
AntiSpyware Soldier
Antispyware Suite
Antispyware2008
Antispyware3000
AntiSpywareBot
AntiSpywareControl
AntiSpywareDeluxe
Antispywareexpert
AntiSpywareExpert
AntiSpywareGuard
AntiSpywareMaster
AntiSpywareShield
AntiSpywareSoldier
AntiSpywareSuite
AntiSpywareUpdates
AntiSpywareXP 2009
AntiSpyZone
AntiThiefWare
AntiVer2008
AntiVermeans
AntiVermins
AntiVerminser
Antivir64
AntivirDoc
AntiVirGear
AntiVirProtect
Antivirus ‘09
Antivirus 2008 PRO
Antivirus 2008 XP (Antivirus2008XP)
Antivirus 2009
Antivirus 2009 Plus
Antivirus 2010
Antivirus 360
Antivirus Agent Pro
Antivirus Email
AntiVirus Gold
AntiVirus Golden
AntiVirus Lab 2009
Antivirus Master (AV Master)
Antivirus Plasma
Antivirus Plus
Antivirus Pro 2009 AntivirusPro 2009
Antivirus Protection
AntiVirus Protector
Antivirus Security
Antivirus Sentry
Antivirus Solution
Antivirus System Pro
Antivirus XP 2008 (AntivirusXP2008)
Antivirus XP Pro
Antivirus XP Pro 2009
Antivirus2008
Antivirus2009
AntiVirusAdvance
AntivirusBest
AntivirusForAll
AntivirusGold
AntiVirusPCSuite
AntiVirusPro
AntivirusTrigger
Antivirustrojan
Antivirusxp
AntiWorm2008
AntiWurm2008
AnyCleaner
ArmorWall
ASC-AntiSpyware
Astrum Antivirus Pro
AV Antispyware
AVCare
AVClean
AVSystemCare
Awola
Barracuda Antivirus
BazookaBar
BestGuardPlatinum
BestsellerAntivirus
BlockDefense
Botsquash
BPS Security Console
BPS Spyware Remover
BPS Spyware & Adware Remover
BraveSentry
BreakSpyware
BugDoctor
BugsDestroyer
CheckFlow CheckSpy & Anti Spyware 2005
Cleanator
CleanerMaster
CleanX
CodeClean
CoffeeCup Spyware Remover
Computer Defender 2009
Consumer Identity
ContentEraser
Contraviro
ContraVirus
Copperhead AntiSpyware
CryptDrive
CurePcSolutions Anti-Spyware
CyberDefender
DataHealer
DefenseAntiMalware
Defenza
Deus Cleaner
DIARemover
DioCleaner
DiscErrorFree
DisqudurProtection
DocrorTrojan
Doctor Adware
Doctor Adware Pro
Doctor Alex
Doctor Antivirus 2008
DoctorAdwarePro
DoctorAntivirus
DoctorCleaner
DoctorVaccine
DrAntispy
Draze Toolbar
DriveCleaner
DriveCleaner 2006
DrProtection
E-Wall Antivirus
eAcceleration/Veloz Stop-Sign
EAdwareKiller
EAdwareRemoval
EAdwareRemover
EAntiSpyware
eAntivirusPro
Easy Erase Spyware Remover
Easy SpyRemover
Easy Spyware Killer
Easy Spyware Scanner
EasySprinter
Easyspywarecleaner
Elimiware
Emco Malware Bouncer
ErrClean
Error Doctor 2008
Error Fix (ErrorFix)
Error Fixer
Error Scan and Fix
ErrorDigger
ErrorDoctor
ErrorGuard
ErrorInspector
ErrorKiller
ErrorNuker
ErrorProtector
ErrorSafe
ESpywareBlocker
ESpywareDefender
ESpywareKiller
ESpywareRemoval
ESpywareRemover
ESpywareScanner
ETD Security Scanner
Evidence Eliminator
Evidence Eraser Pro
EvidenceEraser
ExpertAntivirus
eXPress Antivirus
eXPress Antivirus 2009
Extra Antivir
Extra Antivirus
EZCatch
EZVideo
Fakeav
FakeCog
FakeFreeAV
FakeIA
Fakeinit
FakePccleaner
FakePowav
FakeRean
Fakerednefed
FakeRemoc
FakeScanti
FakeSecSen
FakeSmoke
FakeSpyguard
FakeSpypro
FakeVimes
FakeWSC
FakeXPA
Fast Antivirus 09 (FastAntivirus 09)
FastCleaner
FileFix
Files Secure 2.2
Filterprogram
FiltroDeTrojan
Fix Registry Errors
Fix Tool
FixerAntispy
Fixiter
Flobo Free Anti Spyware Clean
Flobo Spyware Clean
Free Spyware Adware Scanner and Remover
Freeze.com AntiSpyware
Froggie Scan
FullSystemProtection
GarbageClean
General Antivirus
GoldenAntiSpy
GoodbyeSpy
Guard-X 2009
GuardBar
GuardCenter
HardDiskVakt
HDriveSweeper
HitSpy
HitVirus
Home Antivirus 2010
HomeAntivirus 2009
IC Spyware Scanner
IE-Security
IE AntiVirus
IE Defender
IEDefender
IHateAdware
InfeStop
Intelinet Anti-Spyware
Intelligent Spyware Cleaner
Internet Antivirus
Internet Cleanup
InternetAntiSpy
InternetAntivirus
InternetShield
iSafe AntiVirus
iSpyKiller
JC Spyware Remover & Adware Killer
Kazaap
KaZaaP
Keep Your Privacy
KeineGefahr
KillAllSpyware
KillAndClean
KillSpy
KnowHowProtection
KVMSecureis
LastDefender
LiveAntispy
LiveKill
LiveProtect
LiveProtection
MacroAV
MagicAntispy
Malware Bell
Malware Catcher
Malware Defender 2009
Malware Destructor
Malware Doctor
Malware Scanner
Malware Stopper
MalwareAlarm
MalwareBot
MalwareBurn
MalwareCleaner
MalwareCore
MalwareCrush
MalwareDestructor
MalwareDoc
MalwarePatrol Pro
MalwarePro
Malwareprotector
MalwareProtector 2008
MalwareScanner
MalwareStopper
MalwaresWipeds
MalwareWar
MalwareWipe
MalwareWipe Pro
MalwareWiped
MalwareWiper
Malwarrior
MalWarrior
MalWhere
Max Privacy Protector
MaxNetShield (MNS Spyware Remover & History Eraser)
MenaceRescue
MenaceSecure
MicroAntivirus (Micro Antivirus 2009)
Mr.AntiSpy
MS Antispyware 2009
MS Antivirus
My Privacy
My Supervisor
MyBetterPC
MyBugFreePc
MyNetProtector
MyPCTuneUp
MySpyFreePC
MySPyProtector
NadadeVirus
Nano Antivirus
NeoSpace
Neospace Internet Security
NetBrowserPro
Netcom3 Cleaner
NetPumper
NetSpyProtector
No-Spy / Sin-Espías (ver nota 1)
NoAdware
NoSpyX
Nothingvirus
NoWayVirus
Online Privacy Pro
OnlineGuard
OrantieSpion
OSBOdyGuard
Oxford Spyware Remover
Page Cannot Be Displayed
PAL Emergency Response
PAL Spyware Remover
PAntispyware09
Pc-Antispyware
Pc-Cleaner
PC AdWare SpyWare Removal
PC Antispyware 2010
PC Defender 2008
PC Error Eliminator
PC Health Plan
PC Protection Center 2008
PC Security 2009
PCAntiMalware
PCArmor
PCCleaner 2007
pcOrion
PCPrivacyCleaner
PCPrivacyDefender
PCSave
PcSecureSystem
PCSleek Error Cleaner
PCVirusless
Perfect Defender 2009
PerfectCleaner
PerformanceOptimizer
Personal Antivirus
Personal Defender 2009
Pest-Patrol
PestBot
PestCapture
PestProtector
PestSweeper
PestTrap
PestWiper
PornoPlayer
Power Antivirus 2009
Privacy Center
Privacy Champion
Privacy Commander
Privacy Components
Privacy Crusader
Privacy Defender
Privacy Fusion
Privacy Keeper
Privacy Protection Suite
Privacy Redeemer
Privacy Tools 2004
Privacy Tools Pack
PrivacyCenter
PrivacyChampion
PrivacyCrusader
PrivacyGuardPro
PrivacyProtector
PrivacyRedeemer
Privacywarrior
PrivacyWatcher
Pro Antispyware 2009
ProAntiSpy
Protect Your Identity
ProtectingTool
Protection System
PSGuard
PureSafetyHere
PurityScan / PuritySweep
PyroAntiSpy 2.2
QuickCleaner
Rapid Antivirus 2009
RapidAntivirus
RaptorDefence
RazeSpyware
Real AdWareRemoverGold
Real AntiSpyware
Real Antivirus
RealAV
RebrandSoft AdwareSpyware Remover
RegFix Pro
RegFreeze
Registry Cleaner
Registry Defender Platinum
Registry Doc 2006
Registry Doctor
Registry Doctor 2008
Registry Fix It
Registry Optimizer 2007
Registry Repair 2006
RegistryCare
RegistryCleanerXP
RegistryCleanFixer
RegistryFox
RegTool
RemedyAntiSpy
RemoveIT Pro
Renus 2008
RescateDeAmenazas
Restore My Files
Safe & Clean (Scan & Clean)
SafeAndClean
Safeguard 2009
SafePcTool
SaferScan
SafeStrip
SafetyCenter
SafeWebSurfer
SamuraiSpy
SaveDefense
SaveKeep
SaveSoldier
Scan and Repair Utilities 2007
Scan & Repair Utilities 2006
ScanSpyware
Scumware-Remover
Searchanddestroy
SearchAndDestroy
SearchSpy
Secret Service
Secure Expert Cleaner
SecureMyPC
Security 2009
Security Central
Security iGuard
Security Mechanic
Security Scanner 2008
SecurityiGuard
SiteTicket
SlimShield
Smart Antivirus 2009 (SmartAntivirus2009)
Smart Defender Pro
Smart Protector
Smart Virus Eliminator
SmartSecurity
Smitfraud
SmitfraudFixTool
SpamBlockerUtility
SpwareRemoval
SpwareRemover
Spy-Ad Exterminator Pro
Spy-Block
Spy-Control
Spy-Kill
Spy-Out
Spy-Rid
Spy-SHield
Spy Analyst
Spy Annihilator
Spy Cleaner Platinum
Spy Crusher
Spy Defence
Spy Detector
Spy Emergency 2005
Spy Guardian Pro
Spy iBlock
Spy Officer
Spy Reaper
Spy Shredder
Spy Sniper
Spy Sniper Pro
Spy Stalker
SpyAdvanced
SpyAssassin
SpyAssault
Spyaway
SpyAway
SpyAxe
SpyBan
SpyBeware
SpyBlast
SpyBlocs/eBlocs.com
Spybouncer
SpyBouncer
SpyBurn
SpyBuster
SpyButcher
SpyClean
SpyCleaner
SpyContra
SpyCrush
SpyCut
SpyDawn
SpyDeface
SpyDeleter
SpyDemolisher
SpyDestroy Pro
SpyDevastator
SpyDoctor
SpyEliminator
SpyFalcon
SpyFerret
SpyFighter
SpyFighterPro
SpyFirewall
SpyFlusher
Spyguarder
SpyGuarder
SpyGuardian Pro
SpyHazard
SpyHeal
SpyHunter
SpyiBlock
SpyiKiller
Spyinator
SpyKiller
SpyKiller 2005
SpyKillerPro
SpyLax
SpyLocked
SpyMarshal
SpyMaxx
SpyNoMore
SpyOfficer
SpyOnThis
SpyProtector Spy Protector
SpyPry
SpyReaper
SpyRemover
SpySanitizer
SpySheriff
Spyshield
SpyShield
SpyShredder
SpySnipe
SpySoap
SpySoldier
SpySpotter
SpySquash
SpyStriker
SpyToaster
SpyTrooper
SpyVampire
SpyVest
SpyViper
Spyware-Secure
Spyware-Stop
Spyware-Sweeper
Spyware Annihilator
Spyware Annihilator Pro
Spyware B1aster
Spyware Bomber
Spyware Catch
Spyware Cleaner
Spyware Cleaner & Pop-Up Blocker
Spyware Cops
Spyware C.O.P.
Spyware Defense
Spyware Destroyer
Spyware Detector
Spyware Disinfector
Spyware Fighter
Spyware Guard 2008
Spyware Guard 2009
Spyware Hospital
Spyware Immobilizer
Spyware IT
SpyWare Killer
Spyware Knight
Spyware Medic
Spyware Nuker
Spyware Nuker XT
Spyware Protect 2009
Spyware Protection Pro
Spyware Quake
Spyware Removal Wizard
Spyware Remover (alwaysfreealways.com)
Spyware Remover (SpyAdvanced)
Spyware Scrapper
SpyWare Secure
Spyware Seizer
Spyware Sheriff
Spyware Shield
Spyware Slayer
Spyware Sledgehammer
Spyware Snooper
Spyware Soft Stop
Spyware Stormer
Spyware Striker Pro
Spyware Suite 2005
Spyware Terminator 4 (de Invender.nl)
Spyware Vanisher
Spyware Wizard
Spyware & Adware Removal
Spyware & Pest Remover
Spyware & Pop-Up Utility
SpywareAnnihilatorPro
SpywareAssassin
SpywareAvenger
SpywareBeGone
SpywareBomb
SpywareBot
SpywareButcher
SpywareCleaner
SpywareCrusher
SpywareDetector
SpywareFlusher
SpywareHeal
SpywareHound
SpywareIsolator
SpywareKill
SpywareKilla
SpywareKnight
SpywareLocked
SpywareLocker
SpywareNo!
SpywarePolice
SpywarePro
SpywareQuake
SPYwareRemover
SpywareRemover 2009
SpywareScanner 2008
SpywareScrub
SpywareSecure
SpywareSeeker
SpywareShield
SpywareSoftStop
SpywareSquash
SpywareSterilizer
SpywareStop
SpywareStormer
SpywareStrike
SpywareSweeperPro
SpywareTek / Spyware Removal System
SpywareThis
SpywareWipe
SpywareXP
SpywareZapper
SpyWatchE
SpyWiper
Spyzooka
StartGuard
StopGuard
StopingSpy
StopItBlockIt 2005
StorageProtector
SunShine Spy
SunShineSpy
Super Spyware Remover
SuperSpywareKiller
SwiftCleaner
SysAntivirus 2009
SysKontroller
SysProtect
System Antivirus 2008
System Detective
System doctor
System Guard 2009
System Guard Center
System Live Protect
System Protector
System Security 2009
System Tuner
SystemBooster2009
SystemDefender
SystemDoctor
SystemErrorFixer
SystemGuard2009
SystemLiveProtect
SystemSecurity
SystemStable
TeoSoft Anti-Spyware
Terminator 2009
Terminexor
The Adware Hunter
The SpyGuard
The Spyware Detective
The Spyware Shield
The Ultimate Spyware Adware Remover
The Web Shield
TheSpyBot
TheSpywareKiller
Titan AntiSpyware
TitanShield
TitanShield AntiSpyware
Top10Reviews SpyScan
Total Defender
Total Protect 2009
Total Secure2009
Total Security
Total Virus Protection
Trace Sweeper (TraceSweeper)
Trojan Guarder Gold
TrojanerFilter
Trojanguarder
TrojansFilter
TrojansFiltre
TrojansKiller
True Sword
TrueWatch
Trust Cleaner
TrustCleaner
TrustedAntivirus
TrustedProtection
TrustNinja
TrustSoft AntiSpyware
TZ Spyware Adware Remover
TZ Spyware Remover
UControl
Ultimate-Spyware Adware Remover
Ultimate Antivirus 2008
Ultimate Cleaner
Ultimate Defender
Ultimate Fixer
UltimateCleaner
UltimateCleaner 2007
UltimateDefender
UltimateFixer
Ultimatefixer2007
Ultra Antivir 2009
Ultra Antivirus 2009
Unigray
UniGray
UnSpyPc
UnSpyPC
Unvirex
Vaccine2008
VaccineProgram
VBouncer/AdDestroyer
Vip Antispyware
VIPAntiSpyware
Virus-Kill
Virus Doctor
Virus Remover Professional
Virus Shield
Virus Sweeper
VirusAlarma
VirusBlast
VirusBlaster
VirusBlasters
VirusBurst
VirusBursters
VirusConst
VirusEffaceur
VirusGuard
VirusHeal
VirusHeat
VirusLocker
VirusMelt
VirusProtect
VirusProtectPro
VirusRanger
VirusRay
VirusRemover
VirusRemover 2009
VirusRescue
VirusResponse Lab 2009
Virusschlacht
VirusTrigger
Vista Antivirus 2008 (VistaAntivirus 2008)
Vitae Antivirus
WareOut
WareOut Spyware Remover
WebSafe Spyware Secure
WebSpyShield
Win Antivir 2008 (WinAntivir 2008)
WinAntiSpyware 2005 / 2006 / 2007 / 2008
WinAntispyware 2008
WinAntivirus 2005 / 2006 / 2007 / 2008
WinAntiVirus Pro 2006
Winantivirus pro 2007
WinAntivirusVista-XP
WinBlueSoft
WinCleaner 2009
Wincleaner AntiSpyware
WinDefender 2009
Windows Antivirus Pro
Windows AntiVirus (Windows AntiVirus 2008)
Windows Protection Suite
Windows Security Suite
Windows System Suite
WinFix Master
Winfixer
WinFixer
WinFixer 2005
WinFixMaster / WinFix Master
WinHound
Winhound Spyware Remover
WiniBlueSoft
WiniFighter
WiniGuard
WiniShield
Winkeeper
WinPC Antivirus
WinPC Defender
WinPerformance
WinProtector 3.8 (Win Protector 3.8)
Winreanimator
winsecureav
WinSecureAv
WinSecureDisc
WinSOS
WinSpyControl
WinSpyKiller
WinSpywareProtect
Winweb Security
Winwebsec
WinX Security Center 2.2
WinXDefender
Winxprotector
WorldAntiSpy
X-Con Spyware Destroyer
X-Spyware
XDef
Xmembytes AntiSpyware
XP-Shield
XP Antispyware 2009
XP Antivirus (XP Antivirus 2008)
XP Deluxe Protector
XP Police Antivirus
XP Protector 2009
XPAntivirus
XpCleanerPro
XPert Antivirus
XpyBurner
Xspyware
XSRemover
XXXAccess
Yektel
YourPrivacyGuard
ZeroSpyware
Zinaps Anti-Spyware
ZoneProtect AntiSpyware