Rogue Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware Programs

Just when you think you've protected your computer against all the types of malware, up pops a warning that "your computer may be infected" and inviting you to click on a link to have your computer scanned.

Don't do it.

It's most likely such a pop-up is just another way for malware to get installed on your computer. There are dozens of fake anti-virus and anti-spyware programs that will compromise your computer's security, not increase it.

Fake security programs, known as rogue software, are becoming increasingly common and increasingly difficult to recognize. The programs copy features of the Windows notification messages or screens that come from legitmate programs in an effort to confuse computer users. The fake programs' names often sound official or even familar: Vista Anti-Virus, PC Protector, Total PC Defender, AntiSpyware 2009, and many more. None of those programs are legitimate computer security programs.

Once such programs are installed on your computer, they will work to copy themselves to other computers. Many will block your access to the web sites of legitimate computer security vendors and the installation of programs which might succeed in removing them. Some will pop up a window offering to clean up your computer -- for a fee.

Such blackmail is unforgiveable, but apparently many computer users give in to the threats and pay the money. I would suggest that could be a very expensive thing to do, as such organizations probably won't feel constrained to use your credit card information only for that $19.99 charge.

Standard malware removal techniques may remove them from your computer. Don't expect the process to be easy or painless.

The Precise Security web site, which is listed in the box above, has lists of the various programs with advice on how to remove them.

If you do a search on the Internet looking for help in removing such software, be careful that you don't land on the web site of another rogue vendor.