[Waverley ARS] I suspect a computer virus

[Eddie Hanham]

I have had a problem recently with a virulent Rogue Malware Antivirus
pretender on my sons laptop that people should be aware of. See the
following for characteristics:

http://blogs.pcmag.com/securitywatch/2009/09/the_7_habits_of_highly_effecti.php


The one I am referring to is the Windows' "Privacy Center" or "Safety
Center", you will find plenty, I mean plenty of Google references on
how to remove it and they will cost you money - it almost a self
marketing scheme.

AVG finds it AVAST doesn't.

"The phony anti-spyware website offers an “online security scanner”
that claims to search the visitor's system for viruses and spyware.
After the fake examination, the site presents users with a fake list
of trojans, prompting the user to download and install an ActiveX
control to remove the threats.

The trojan then hijacks the infected PC's home page, shows fake alerts
and exaggerated security threats and urges the user to install a trial
version of AntiSpy ware

After installation, the phony product offers a free system scan, which
reports a number of false positives. Users are prompted by AntiSpy
ware like AntispyStorm to download the full version, which attempts to
trick the victim into entering credit card details to buy the
non-existent product."

Its a whole new business!!!!

It comes in via email, if you put a USB stick in your machine you
can't use it, if you got to Webs sites to get a killer it stops you,
It comes even in via a fake "download Flash update" message. I went to
Microsoft to get a patch, it prevented me from doing that and the
"Microsoft site" informed me I was infected.

I have resolved to reinstall Windows.

Eddie
VK2BEH