Is Your AntiVirus Program Really a Virus?

Anyone with a computer and Internet connection needs antivirus software. You’ve heard the horror stories about computer viruses. A virus might erase your hard drive, steal private information or cause serious damage. Antivirus software protects your computer from malicious attacks – or at least that’s what it is supposed to do. It might surprise you that some antivirus programs are actually disguised viruses.

Do you know the name of the anti-virus software on your computer? Rogue software creators hope you have no idea. Keep reading to find out why.Imagine you’re working on an important Excel document when a pop-up window appears. The pop-up says your antivirus program has detected a virus, and must clean your computer. You might not blink an eye when the message says you’re using the free version of the program. You go on to read that the paid version removes the virus, and that you must upgrade or keep the virus forever.

Warning sirens should sound. Read the pop-up again. Is the program in the pop-up the same as the one installed on your computer? You do know which program you have, right? If you do, then you’ll realize the pop-up isn’t a legitimate message. What you have is a “scareware” infection, which means it’s a fake anti-virus program.

People fall victim to this crime because they’re unaware of the software on their computer. The warning pop-up sends them into panic mode, and they act without thinking.

Several things can happen after the person pays for the upgrade. The download might not start, and there’s no contact information. The download could even be a virus that does even more damage. It’s also possible the software’s designers will steal your payment information.

All of this is avoidable if you know the name of your antivirus software. The only way to get rid of a fake pop-up virus is with a legitimate antivirus program. Your software might be able to recognize and remove the threat. If it doesn’t recognize the virus, you will have to find a program created to remove that specific threat. Carefully research any antivirus software you plan to download. Run a virus scan on it as well.

As you can see, knowing the name of the anti-virus software on your computer can save you from a lot of trouble.