Experts Warn of Antivirus XP 2008 Scareware

According to reports coming from the Threat Center-Spyware and Virus Removal Website, since the 1st week of October 2008, an undesirable malware or a computer virus namely Antivirus XP 2008 could reportedly be acquired from the most recent Website, namely, antivirus-online-08.com.

Security investigators said that the malevolent program displays a large red warning block that encourages the computer user to click on it and follow the directions. But on doing, another window pops up that inquires the user's Visa number claiming that it is needed to remove a malware that has been apparently identified. And during the whole process, the victim's system downloads the rogue Anti-virus XP 2008.

Talking about Antivirus XP 2008, security investigators and analysts said that the Antivirus XP 2008 is an growing threat that is part of a classification called "rogue programs," "misleading applications" or "scareware." Such programs make fake claims of the user's system security and then demands fees to resolve the apparent security problems, the experts state, as reported by OTTAWACITIZEN on October 21, 2008.

The experts further said that rogue applications can be found everywhere on the Web, but they are mostly found on sites relating to pirated or adult content, forums and blogs. Sometimes an internet surfer could become infected if he simply visits these Websites for e.g. antivirus-online-08.com. On other occasions, the user might be duped into downloading these anti-virus applications online through fake pop-up advertisements that resemble the Windows System Warnings.

The reports revealed that the developers of programs like the Antivirus XP, WinDefender and registry Cleaner XP are facing the wrath of Microsoft together with the State of Washington that have filed lawsuits under the Computer Spyware Act of the State of Washington. The act bars all entities from making bogus claims of malware especially spyware on any system.

Meanwhile, Symantec recommended certain precautions for internet users to prevent downloading malicious programs or misleading applications onto their computers in future. It suggested the use of security software to proactively safeguard systems from spyware, undesirable malware or other security threats, as reported by OTTAWACITIZEN on October 21, 2008.

Related article: Experts Find Two Vulnerabilities in Firefox

» SPAMfighter News - 10/31/2008