If It Prints, I'll Let You Know

Beware of Fake Security Software!

And the deception goes on – it is rather frustrating to realize that the existence of spyware, virus and scareware will probably not go away in a heartbeat, no matter how hard we wish for them to just vanish into thin air.

A Symantec report has identified 250 such fake security programs, also called scareware. Out of this number, two have been identified as the top two: with names such as “SpywareGuard” and “Anti-virus,” those who are not well-informed can certainly be tricked into purchasing the software, in the hopes that they will be protected virtually.

online security Instead of online protection, though, what this software will do is expose a user to the very things that they wanted protection against to begin with, such as identity theft. This software and registry cleaners try to convince users to purchase by using flagging screens that caution against threats that do not really exist outside of the software itself.

Some of these fake programs can be set up to look absolutely legit, complete with the ability to respond to e-mails and provide a receipt with a serial number, as well as a valid and working customer support number to call.

The following warning was shared by NetworkWorld:

“Distribution networks are rampant in which “affiliates” earn money to ensure the rogue security software is circulated, such as Traffic.Coverter.biz, where affiliates are paid based on numbers of computers they manage to get malware on to enable the sale of fake security software.”

Evidence was gathered by Symantec over a six-month period, during which time SpywareGuard2008 developed by Pandora Software emerged as “the most prevalent rogue security software.”

SpywareGuard2008 costs upwards of $49.95; consumers who purchase these programs normally use credit cards to purchase and register, and when they do so, their information is phished to be sold to anyone willing to put up the dough.