Beware of “Anti-Virus-1”, Another Fake Antivirus in Town

Attention please! There is a new adware “Anti-Virus-1”. Its a fake anti-virus program which looks like Windows default “Security Center”.

Here is what the “Panda Labs” says:

It is designed to simulate a scan of the computer, supposedly detecting thousands of strains of (non-existent) malware. The end aim is to sell users a pay version of the fake antivirus in order to eliminate the threats.

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When run, this adware warns the user that the computer is not protected. The main screen displayed is a spoof of the Window Security Center.

It then pretends to scan the system for malware. If users do not immediately take the bait and buy the pay version of the fake antivirus, the malicious code will sporadically display a message reminding the user that the computer is infected.

In warning messages, and after the fake scan, a link is provided from which users can download the fake antivirus. Anyone clicking on the link will be redirected to a page like this.

Additionally, when infected users visit certain Web pages with comparative reviews of antivirus products, there will be redirected to a spoof page showing a review of an ‘antivirus’, called Antivirus2010, with functions and characteristics similar to Anti-Virus-1.

Antivirus_1.jpg

So make sure you don’t install this or any other fake-antivirus program. If your system is suffering with virus infection, then follow instructions given in following topic:

Is Your System Infected with a Virus / Spyware / Adware / Trojan?

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Also install a good and genuine anti-virus. You can use following article to test the efficiency of your existing security programs:

Put Your Favorite Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware and Firewall Apps to the Test

Published in: Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP

About the author: Vishal Gupta (also known as VG) has been awarded with Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) award. He holds Masters degree in Computer Applications (MCA). He has written several tech articles for popular newspapers and magazines and has also appeared in tech shows on various TV channels.

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