Protecting Your Computer from Rogue Security Software

Before we discuss some ways to protect your computer from rogue security software, and what to do if you have been infected by rogue security, fake anti-virus, rogue anti-spyware, fake windows security, and other types of deceptive rootkits and Trojans; we should cover what exactly these type of computer infections are.

What is Rogue Security Software?

Rogue security software is a type of software that fictitiously represents itself as a legitimate security program for Microsoft Windows computers. These are very convincing fakes, most of the time they look remarkably similar or as exact clones of legitimate Windows programs or other security software. The rogue security software’s purpose is to coerce victims into buying the full version of the fake anti-virus or rogue anti-spyware, obtaining your financial information and to install multiple other malwares.

What are Rootkits?

A rootkit Virus or malware is meant to infiltrate a computer system and gain administrative access to the operating system. Once admin access is gain the virus can then change operating system files and other software on the computer to do whatever it like to. This is generally for the purpose of disabling OS tools that can detect and or remove the malicious software. It can be used to create more security holes to allow more malware and viruses to be installed on the system remotely.

How Do I Prevent Rogue Security Software Virus Infections?

Unfortunately, there is no way to completely protect and prevent any type of virus infection. You can get viruses in many different ways but the most common is to click on an infected button, banner, or pop up while browsing the internet. Many infections are caught from email as well. The second is an out of date anti-virus program, or out of date operating system. We like to follow these simple steps to insure we never get infections on our own computers.

1. Good Anti-Virus – Anti-virus software keeps your computer safe against 99% of threats on the internet; they will constantly monitor your computer for incoming infections and prevent them from installing on your computer. In fact we offer a comprehensive Security suite and Internet Protection software as a part of our pro services.
2. Updating your operating system and anti-virus - Whether you are using a Windows based PC or a Mac it is important to keep it up to date. Keep auto update on and have it run at times that will work best for you. Even if it is inconvenient, run the updates. It is more important to be protected, than loose a couple minutes of productivity now or you can lose hours or days in the future.
3. Browse websites that are trusted – One might say it is impossible to browse only trusted websites all the time, so if you are not sure, try using tools that can help you identify if a website is infected. There are some great web based tools available like:
• http://safeweb.norton.com/
• http://www.avgthreatlabs.com/sitereports/
• http://free.avg.com/us-en/linkscanner/
• http://www.siteadvisor.com/
4. Scan every email, and every downloaded file – We download stuff all of the time and most of us never think to have our anti-virus scan it before we open the file. Even if you think you are 100% sure it is not infected, scan it anyway. It will only take seconds to keep your computer safe.

After all of these steps if you happen to get a Virus, it is unfortunate, but it happens. So what do you do now that you have a Rogue Security Virus infection? Let us talk about what an infection should mean to you.

What’s the Big Deal with Rogue Security Software Anyways?

What is the worst thing that could happen from a computer virus or various malware? The most common effect of computer viruses is data loss. The words data loss does not sound that threatening, but let’s consider what exactly that means. You can lose every saved on your computer. This can be financial documents, writings, pictures, music, software, and really anything you use on your computer. Sure some of it can be recovered, but can it all, or do you really want to spend days reinstalling software, and putting data back on your computer? The next most common effect is various forms of identity theft. Cybercrime now costing the world over 100 billion a year, has become one of the most prevalent threats to persons and businesses today.

What kind of computers does rogue security software attack?

Generally speaking only Microsoft Windows based machines are infected, but there is rogue security software that does affect Apple’s Macintosh computers. While there are still versions of Windows 2000 and prior being used, the most commonly infected computer operating systems are Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.

I think I might have a computer virus… What do I do?

1. Get a thorough diagnosis – Not knowing what type of infection, or rogue security software you have; can be your computers undoing. Just like with a normal sickness, if you are properly diagnosed, treatment generally works better. Unfortunately that may be just as difficult as or even more difficult than diagnosing a normal cold. These programs actively attempt to make sure you cannot find them; they immediately hijack anti-virus and anti-malware programs. It is becoming increasingly common the only resort average consumers have is to have a professional virus removal technician take a look at your computer. Diagnosis in rare occasion can take dozens of steps.
2. Virus Removal – Virus removal is the next important step. Once the virus has been identified, it is usually aware it is about to be caught. At least in a sense, many times upon detection the rogue security software, virus, or malware will make a last ditch attempt to save itself or destroy the computer. Removing the virus immediately is important. This starts with quarantining, fortunately if you have managed to find it with some type of legitimate anti-virus or anti-malware it most likely did isolate the virus. Sometimes this does not happen, and the steps to find, guarantee, and eventually remove the virus can be arduous, complicated, and intensely involved; though a professional virus removal specialist can easily restore your computer to a healthy and productive state.
3. Repair the OS (operating system) – Once the virus has been removed the operating system like Windows is damaged, corrupted, or changed in some way. As are allot of software on your computer. Rogue security software generally will only target programs and systems that could potentially find and remove the malicious software. So the damage for the most part is limited to systems like windows task manager, msconfig, remove programs, anything relating to administration privileges, and anti-virus programs.