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Is this screen real?

Today, deceptive groups are putting out fake virus alerts, known as scareware, designed to trick people into paying money for software that has no value.  They pop up official-looking alerts that try to convince the user that they have become infected.  The solution?  Purchase their product for $99!  The unethical individuals that create these type of viruses make hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraudulent sales by preying on people who just don’t know any better.  The screen shot above is of a virus, known as Antivirus XP 2008, and is not affiliated with Microsoft.  It sure does look real though. 


Now look at the genuine version below.  It’s easy to be fooled.

How it works…

Like any virus or spyware, these fake virus alerts find their way onto your machine when you are surfing the web.  These fake alerts will report problems on your machine that do not actually exist.  After they are properly installed, they can corrupt your files, slow down your computers, prevent you from using a real antivirus program, disable antivirus protection or even trick you into a fraudulent financial transaction (for example, one customer of ours purchased the fake 

for $50.  A few weeks later the pop up showed up again, so she purchased it again.  $150 later, her computer was no longer functioning and she realized the product was a phony.

 

How to Combat these Screens…

When these pop ups occur DO NOT CLICK ON THE SCREEN.  Clicking anywhere on the screen – even on the “x” to close the screen can sometimes download the virus.  To shut any screen you don’t know follow these simple steps:

• Press  the “Ctrl” button, “Alt” button and “Del” button together
• Depending on your operating system, this will either open the task manager or you can select the task manager to open it.
• Once you have the task manager open, find the task related to the unwanted screen.  Select that task and then press the “End Task” button at the bottom of the task manager.

This will close the screen with out risking the installation of any malicious software.

How to Protect Yourself…

• Install a Firewall and make sure it is always on
• Install Antivirus & Antispyware tools – Allow them to get daily updates and perform regular scans
• Do not click on unknown pop ups or alerts
• Do no open emails from unknown sources or run the attachments

 So, last screen—is it the real thing or a Virus?

                      

The page above is actually the Virus known as Fake SecScan. Remember, when in doubt, simply close the pop up.

And if you aren't sure if you have a virus or not, take it over to your local Arizona Computer Outlets.  We will perform a FREE 15 MInute Diagnostic and let you know if there is an issue or if your computer is fine!