What is Scareware?
Scareware is a type of malware designed to trick victims into purchasing and downloading useless and potentially dangerous software. Scareware, which generates pop-ups that resemble Windows system messages, usually purports to be antivirus or antispyware software, a firewall application or a registry cleaner. The messages typically say that a large number of problems — such as infected files — have been found on the computer and the user is prompted to purchase software to fix the problems. In reality, no problems were detected and the suggested software purchase may actually contain real malware. If the user falls for the scam, he will lose the money he paid for the useless software and he may also make his computer unusable. Frequently, the message window has a clickjacking feature that takes the user to the attacker’s Web site or initiates a malware download if the user clicks “Cancel” or the “X” to close the window. In October 2008, Microsoft and the Washington attorney general s
Scareware refers to bogus sales tactics designed to scare a user into thinking his or her computer contains critical errors or viruses that must be fixed immediately. For a price, scareware ads offer an instant solution in the form of downloadable software. In some cases this software is harmless, in other cases the software meant to fix non-existent errors is actually spyware or some form of malware itself, victimizing consumers twice. A scareware ad might pop-up at any time when cruising the Web. The ad can resemble a Microsoft window or it might trigger an actual window, leading people to believe the message is being generated by their own operating system. The pop-up warns the user that the computer is compromised in one or more ways and requires a fix. The warning might cite viruses or system errors such as registry errors. Clicking an “OK” button will take the user to the download site to buy the “fix.” Regular scanning with legitimate software is part of routine computer mainten
Scareware covers several different classes of software that are all designed to cause the unsuspecting user either shock, anxiety or even threats. Forms of spyware and adware are also used in scareware type tactics to produce a lot of frivolous alarm warnings or threat notices. These are most typically sent from commercial firewall’s and registry cleaner software. This class of program tries to increase its perceived value by bombarding the user with constant warning messages that do not increase its effectiveness in any way. Some websites display pop-up advertisement windows or banners with text such as: “Your computer may be infected with harmful spyware programs. Immediate removal may be required. To scan, click ‘Yes’ below.” They are infact scareware and should be avoided at all times to prevent infection for your computer.
