Fake Anti-Virus Malware Infections on the Rise
Recently ANS engineers have seen a lot of clients infected with official looking but entirely fake anti-virus malware. Users report that they were using a web browser when a window appears that looks like it came from Microsoft Windows. The notice informs the user that they were infected with a virus (or many viruses) and that an update needed to be run. The window would not close when clicked and when the computer is restarted the fake anti-virus would be installed and could not be removed. Pop ups of virus alerts and embarrassing websites make the machine unusable. The virus continues to ask for a subscription to get rid of the unwanted pop ups. Once you subscribe, the ”bad guys” have your credit card number.
- Here are some tips on how to proactively protect yourself from an infection. Please share these tips with your co-workers and peers.
1. If you see one of the virus alert windows – DO NOT CLICK on anything. Immediately restart your computer. You can see examples and more information from Microsoft here.
2. A popular method the viruses are infecting computers is through a compromised Google search – primarily through infected images. The popular Google Images website is full of malware linked images. Be cautious while browsing through Google images and perhaps mitigate your browsing time.
3. Many users have third party plug-ins installed in their browsers so that they can use them for work or to view animated media. Third party plug-ins are not always secure and are not updated via the usual Windows updates. Please update third party plug-ins like Adobe Flash and Adobe Reader to reduce your risk of infection.
- 4. Many times, the malware will come via an email that appears valid and tricks the person into clicking a link and inadvertently installing the malicious application. If you are not 100% sure that the email is legitimate, DO NOT CLICK on the link.
It is estimated that half a million people are infected every day from this new outbreak. The malware configurations are changed so quickly that legitimate anti-virus software vendors are having a hard time keeping up with the malware. Please do not rely on your existing installed anti-virus to keep you safe. Proactively follow the steps below to minimize your risk.
As an important note: MacOS is not immune to these infections. There is also a fake Macintosh anti-virus malware. All users need to be alert and cautious while browsing.
As always – if you do think you’ve been infected please call our Service Desk at 615-277-0505 so that we can help you get rid of the problem.
