Is Your Computer 'Scareware' Proof?

Fake Alert Malware
Looks Like Real Thing

Computer experts are reporting that scareware — yet another sneaky technique used by hackers to steal personal information and spread viruses online — is on the rise. Most recently, companies like Google, Twitter and the New York Times are being exploited by hackers as part of a massive scareware attack on consumers. Better Business Bureau is offering advice to consumers on how to protect their computer and personal information from the threat of scareware.

“The recent scareware attacks are cropping up everywhere and can be found on even the most trusted Web sites online,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island . “The threat of scareware undermines consumer trust in compromised Web sites, and on the Internet in general, but there are steps computer users can take to protect themselves.”

In mid-September, visitors to the New York Time’s Web site suddenly received a pop up window — which looked like a message from their own computer — warning that their computer had been infected with a virus. The user was then told to visit a Web site to purchase and download anti-virus software that would fix the problem. The supposed antivirus software actually installed even more viruses and malware onto the computer — and the user’s credit card number was now in the hands of hackers.

According to the New York Times, the pop up was generated by an unauthorized ad. The New York Times later learned it had sold ad space to hackers posing as Vonage. Click Forensics is reporting it was the work of Ukrainian cybercrooks.

The same scenario on the New York Times Web site is playing out all over the Internet. According to Computer World Magazine, hackers are not only using pop up ads, they are also “poisoning Google search results.” Hackers monitor the news and hot topics online — such as the death of Patrick Swayze and the US Open — and through search engine optimization techniques are able to ensure that their Web sites are the top results. Victims who click on the fake search results receive a scareware pop up.

Microsoft has been warning the public that scareware attacks are severely on the rise and now the company is fighting back. The company filed lawsuits against five companies, accusing them of being the source of scareware attacks.

Following are steps computer users can take to protect their computer from a scareware attack:

Never let your guard down. A scareware attack can happen on trusted news sites like the New York Times, in search engines results from Google, and even now on Twitter.

Protect your computer. Install updates to your operating system, purchase antivirus software from a name you trust and keep that software up to date. Also make sure that all security patches and updates are installed for your Web browser and programs like Adobe Flash Player.

Take immediate action during an attack. If you receive a scareware pop up window, experts recommend forcing the window to close through your task manager. To do this, hold down ctrl, alt, and delete at the same time, open your task manager, find the browser in the list of running programs and click “end task.” Finally, run an antivirus scan with legitimate, trusted software.