Fake security - how to spot it

We have been spending a lot of time recently reviewing our own security and backups on behalf of our customers. More about this in a another day...

The plague of so-called security offers

You mean you never meant to?

How did that get there?

You only visited that site for a second but....

Yes, we're talking about the plague of fake security offers which are constantly being thrust at us every time we oopen our browsers. It's annoying at best and, at worst, it can do real harm to your computer or mobile device. They are the web equivalent of the mysterious voice from Windows in India telling you your computer has a problem that only they can fix.

So, how can you spot them and what can you do about it?

1. Always mistrust a pop-up. If it shakes and shimmies at you like a samba dancer, mistrust it even more. You will know the sort of thing we mean - a dire warning that your computer is infested with viruses or telling you that it needs a good cleaning. This is not a good idea.
2. If you have downloaded it - yes it happens in a panic - and started to run it, it will be distinguished by a professional interface which will feature some sort of scanning. 
3. At the end of the scanning process, it will always tell you you have malware. This may come after it has "cleaned" a certain number of your files or may just be a straight requirement on you to invest in the "professional" or non-trial version. However tempted you are, do not give your credit card or bank account details. It makes you a prime candidate for having your details scraped and your account emptied.
4. The worst of these programs will download real malware on to your computer and cause real problems for you.
5. Newer versions of these nasty tools may feature on-screen pop-ups that appear to come from your own anti-virus scanner. They don't, so ignore them. If you click on the warning message, it too will start the scanning process which will end up with a message telling you just how many viruses are infesting your computer.
6. They may even end up preventing you from moving away from the screen you are on and doing anythiing useful on your computer till you respond. Whatever you do, do not be tempted.

How to avoid them

We were going to tell you not to visit the sites where these things can be found, but we are not sure you will listen to us. We were also going to advise you not to open that suspicious email but... Seriously, use your common sense and try to stay clear of the obvious traps like these. 

The other trick is to know what is on your computer to begin with. You should already have antivirus software you have bought and installed. Even if you feel you cannot afford it, there are some excellent free versions that will do the job of protecting you well enough.

If you are familiar with your AV software and update it regularly, you will know the messages it presents. Make sure your softwareis regularly updated and your system is regularly checked.

Only dowload from reputable sources. If the item you are thinking of adding to your precious computer can't be traced to a reputable source, avoid the download to begin with.

Check to see whether the product is listed in the lists of suspect products at http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm

If you have been a victim

1. Start by scanning your whole system with your computer offline. Yes, disconnect from the internet to prevent any potential communication between malware and the web. 
2. Hopefully this will show you the errors and allow you to clear them. But if the problem is still occurring, reboot your computer into safe mode and repeat the scan. Runnning in safe mode will prevent some scam programs from loading.
3. If your system is still corrupted, stop using it and consult a professional to get it cleaned.
4. Report scams to the authorities. The FBI and Insurance bodies such as SOCA will diect you to sites where you can report scams that have done you harm.