Computer Security Alerts “Pop Up”!
I regard myself as a relatively trusting individual despite my occupation and the daily occupational hazard of being bombarded with scams and rip-offs. I rely on my computer more hours per day than I want to admit and I’ve come to have trust in my computer, it’s performance, and the information it provides me.
I owe most of that trust to our tech experts responsible for installing and maintaining all the “anti” software needed for my own protection and that of my trusty computer. And, I trust when my computer tells me it is sick with a virus and suggests that I should immediately find a cure for what ails it. Our message today is simple. Don’t always trust your computer to tell you the truth!
The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) distributes an alert as follows: “An ongoing threat exists for computer users who, while browsing the Internet, began receiving pop-up security warnings that state their computers are infected with viruses”.
What’s the bottom line on this one? The pop-up warnings of a virus “take over” are untrue! These pop-ups are known as scareware. They are intimidating and aggressive in their attempt to lure the user into purchasing software to allegedly remove the viruses. In actuality, the scareware installs malicious code resulting in viruses, Trojans and/or key-loggers.
In some cases, the pop-up ads are attempts to sell bogus software that can result in identity theft. The one-two punch, they take your money - then your name! According to the FBI, repercussions of malicious software downloads have resulted in excess of $150 million in losses to victims throughout the U.S.
Indicators of a potential threat include:
· The scareware provides a list of reputable software icons. Logos like your Better Business Bureau’s are often pirated with a simple cut and paste to make scammers look legit. You should see if the icons link back to the manufacturers’ sites, but even if they do the path can be easily copied by more savvy scammers. In BBB’s case, the Accredited Business logo should always link to the company’s BBB Reliability Report – an easy way to determine the truth;
· The pop-up immediately showed-up after you clicked on an advertisement contained on a website;
· The pop-up is difficult to “close” or “x” out.
If you receive an anti-virus pop-up, close your browser or shut the system down and then run a full-anti-virus scan when the computer is turned back on. BBB Accredited Business, refdesk.com, offers an expansive listing of spam resources regarding spyware, adware, pop-up blockers, and firewalls that can be found at http://www.refdesk.com/anti.html
Take precautions to ensure your operating system is updated and security software is current. And, don’t trust your computer to always tell you the truth – it’s just the messenger. Computers are tempting vehicles and targets for scamsters – so keep yours well and be proactive.
Talk soon - Angie
