Hunt down scareware malware

Scareware causes headaches and frustration among many computer users. It is a type of software that acts like anti-malware software, but it can cause quite a bit of damage. Unfortunately, many computer users may not realise that their machines have been infected with scareware until it is too late. As this problem has been around for at least the past decade it is important to be aware of the distress and destruction it can cause. From lost files to services for which you didn't actually need to pay, it is important to learn more about scareware to try to prevent the damage it can cause.

Preventing scareware

As frightening and debilitating as scareware seems to be, the good news is that there are ways to prevent yourself from becoming a victim. Although there is no way to keep your computer entirely safe, you can take measures to make yourself safer. For example, you should avoid automatically clicking and downloading when prompted.

Another tip is to use internet browsers such as Safari or Chrome rather than Internet Explorer. When you are using social media sites, do not open links or attachments, even if they are from friends.

Finally, you can stay safe by installing malware protection software like Immunet, Malwarebytes, Spyhunter etc. When you do install and run malware protection software, make sure that it is up to date and that any necessary updates or upgrades are made to ensure the program is fully protecting your computer.

What is scareware?

Scareware is a form of malware. It can trick you into buying and downloading products or services, and perhaps even dangerous software. Whether you use a computer for work, personal use, or a mix of both, you should have a good understanding of what scareware looks like. It is easy to fall into the trap of this type of malware, and knowing in which forms it appears can go a long way towards preventing damage to your computer or your wallet.

In many instances, scareware appears as a fake pop-up. Unfortunately, these pop-ups often look like legitimate warnings from different types of anti-virus or anti-spyware software. They can also look like firewall applications or registry cleaners. More often than not, scareware messages will warn you that a vast number of issues, such as infected files, have been located on your computer. You, the computer user, will then be asked to purchase software to correct the problems.

This is where most computer users fall victim to the effects of scareware, unless they know about this type of malware and are careful not to fall into the trap. Although scareware insists that a problem was found, the reality is that there were no issues to begin with. This is all an act put on by scareware to try to force you into clicking on or installing something that contains real malware.

What are the common signs of scareware?

Scareware can show up in a number of different ways. For example, it might block one or more of your frequently used computer programs. When this happens, a dialog box will appear and erroneously state that the program you wish to use is infected. Unfortunately, more recent incidents have revealed that the scareware is not afraid to take over an entire computer. When this happens, it simply blocks you from accessing any files, programs, or controls, aside from its own window. Sometimes, it demands that you, the computer user, call the provided number to get an unlock code, which will hopefully allow you to regain control over the system.

In a somewhat similar scenario, the scareware may take over your computer and force you to comply with whatever it wants you to do. For example, you may be taken to a shopping window, where you must purchase a certain amount of products online in order to regain control over your computer.

Yet another scenario is that the scareware prompts a message to the user saying that the system is harbouring child pornography. This is a scare tactic and is something of which many people would be terrified. In situations such as this, the goal is to have the victims pay a select fee to the distributor in exchange for keeping the information from the authorities. There is usually a requested fee that needs to be paid before regaining control over your computer.

Having your computer compromised by viruses, Trojans, or malware can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. Some types of infections are more serious and destructive than others. Fortunately, there are ways to keep yourself and your computer safe. Even seemingly small steps, such as updating your antivirus software, may keep your computer from becoming the next victim.