Triona's Tech Tips

My Northwest Herald column this month is about rogue security software, also called scareware because it tries to frighten you into purchasing and installing it. I’ve talked about how rogues disable your real protections before (here and here), and how they take advantage of poisoned search engine results to trick you. I thought I’d show you some screenshots so you can see how rogues mimic real security software.

As you can see below, rogues look like the real deal. They pretend to scan your computer and they always display dire warnings. Note the button in the lower left corner telling you to purchase the rogue to remove the purported infections. But the real infection is the rogue itself.

Rogue security software

In this next image, the rogue is imitating Windows Security Center. Note how it claims that “Antivirus 2010″ (the rogue) is unregistered, a typical trick to get you to purchase the software.

Rogue imitating Windows Security Center

There are no limits to which rogues won’t go. Here, the rogue infiltrates Internet Explorer, displaying a false warning that claims you can’t get on the Internet unless you buy their scam software.

Rogue imitating Internet Explorer error

Another fake error message, this time the ominous Blue Screen Of Death (BSOD). Note once again the false warning claiming that you need to register (e.g. buy) the rogue to fix your computer.

Rogue faking a Blue Screen Of Death (BSOD)

Rogues will even go so far as to put messages on your Windows startup screen claiming that the product is unregistered and your computer unprotected.

Rogue hijacking Windows startup

To protect yourself, make sure your real security software is up to date, and steer clear of any advertisements or popups that claim you are infected. Be careful when searching for security tools because of poisoned search results. Your best bet is typing the name of a known software vendor directly into your browser instead of clicking on a link.

Rogues are notoriously difficult to remove, and regenerate if even the tiniest piece is left behind. Your best bet is to hire a professional familiar with how to remove rogue security software and restore your computer’s bona fide protections.

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