Rogue security software

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[Last update on 22 Oct 2009, Thur]

Rogue security software( includes rogue anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-malware etc) is a form of computer malware that deceives or misleads users into paying for the fake or simulated removal of malware.

If you are not sure what is a malware, click here.

How does rogue security software get on my computer?

Rogue security software designers create legitimate looking pop-up windows that advertise security update software. These windows might appear on your screen while you surf the Web.

The “updates” or “alerts” in the pop-up windows call for you to take some sort of action, such as clicking to install the software, accept recommended updates, or remove unwanted viruses or spyware. When you click, the rogue security software downloads to your computer.

Rogue security software might also appear in the list of search results when you are searching for trustworthy antispyware software, so it is important to protect your computer.

What does rogue security software do?

Rogue security software might report a virus, even though your computer is actually clean. The software might also fail to report viruses when your computer is infected. Inversely, sometimes, when you download rogue security software, it will install a virus or other malicious software on your computer so that the software has something to detect.

Some rogue security software might also:

* Lure you into a fraudulent transaction (for example, upgrading to a non-existent paid version of a program).

* Use social engineering to steal your personal information.

* Install malware that can go undetected as it steals your data.

* Launch pop-up windows with false or misleading alerts.

* Slow your computer or corrupt files.

* Disable Windows updates or disable updates to legitimate antivirus software.

* Prevent you from visiting antivirus vendor Web sites.

For some screenshots & details of rogue security software, click here.

For partial list of rogue security software, click here (You need to scroll down).

For Screenshots on fake Microsoft security, click here.

For instructions on how to remove Rogue security software, click here.

Fun facts(Malware,Pronunciation in English):

Meow-ware, United States

Mao-Ware, United Kingdom

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rogue_security_software

http://digital-plexus.blogspot.com/2009/01/some-rogue-antispyware-antivirus-and.html

http://www.forvo.com/word/malware/

http://www.microsoft.com/security/antivirus/rogue.aspx

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