Scareware Removal

Top tips on how to remove Scareware.

What is Scareware?

Scareware is deception software. It is also known as "rogue scanner" software or "fraudware", the purpose of which is to frighten people into purchasing and installing it.

It comes in various formations and names, such XP Anti-Virus 2009, Windows Security 2009 and looks just like a real Anti-virus program.

The misleading pop-ups and animations about supposed security and privacy threats are unnerving, to be sure, and can be awfully convincing to the unwary. Typically, they are the result of scripts stitched into legitimate, hacked Web sites, or into banner ads that scam artists stealthily submit to some online ad networks.

It is tempting to try to mouse click your way out of the incessant offers, but this is almost always a losing battle: Doing so merely results in more prompts and offers to download installation files. Indeed, the real danger results from doing anything except completely closing out of the browser you are using, should you run across one of these attacks.

If this happens to you, here's the safest way out of the mousetrap:

-Remain calm: Take a deep breath. Most of these attacks go from scary to nightmare as soon as you start clicking "yes," or "no" or "cancel" (the malicious script is likely to try to run no matter which you choose).

-When in doubt, close it out: The safest (albeit somewhat extreme) route is to kill the browser process altogether. To do this, press ctrl+alt+delete to launch the Windows Task Manager, then select the process for the browser you are using (e.g., iexplore.exe, firefox.exe) and terminate that process. Yes, you will probably lose any windows you had open, and any unsaved data entered into forms in those windows, etc. (unless you're using Firefox, which has the capability to recover that data in those situations, although it doesn't always succeed).

-Run an anti-virus scan: Sometimes, a scareware attack is accompanied by a Trojan horse that tries to install other, more malicious intruders, such as keystroke logging programs. It's a good idea at this time to run an anti-virus scan on your system (you do have up-to-date anti-virus software installed, don't you?).

-Consider a second opinion: If you notice things still aren't right with your system, and you see strange messages warning you about security threats, download and install one (or both) of the following tools: PC Tools Spyware Doctor, and Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2010. These programs are almost always able to root out invaders left behind by scareware attacks. If you find that you cannot visit these sites, it may be because the malware is blocking access to security Web sites. Try downloading the installer file on another machine, and then copy the files to a removable media (CD-Rom, thumb/USB drive) and bring them over to the sickened machine.

If you still need help, please contact us and we can remove these for you.