Internet Security: The AV Virus
RESCUECOM’s computer support specialists handle hundreds of calls every week, giving them a sense of what the biggest Internet security threats currently are.
“Right now,” says Stanley Memmelaar a member of RESCUECOM’s sales team, “the AV virus is the number one Internet security problem.”
The AV Virus, Memmelaar explains, is a type of malware known as Scareware. “That’s how it gets past Internet security,” he says, “by scaring you into downloading it.”
The AV Virus poses as an Internet security program. Once infected, a pop up security warning appears, alerting you to an infection on your computer. It instructs you to download the full version of the AV Security Suite to remove the malware.
“Fake Internet security programs are the hottest trend in malware,” says RESCUECOM CEO David A. Milman. “Malware that tricks users into violating their own Internet security is difficult to combat.”
The AV Virus blocks websites, Internet security programs, and even the Task Manager. The malware effectively renders a computer inoperable.
Memmelaar says that most customers who call in “have given up on getting rid of it.” The malware is so effective, that even if a user thinks they’ve removed it, it often reinstalls itself.
The AV Virus tricks people into paying money to download a useless program. Some of the more harmful variations of this malware also give its programmers unblocked access to your computer.
“Most Internet security programs don’t detect it,” Milman says. “The best suggestion is to reboot in safe mode and try a system restore.”
Barring a successful system restore, the only solution is to seek out professional computer support.
Memmelaar says that users need to be careful of any supposedly helpful programs. “The AV Virus isn’t the first, and we’re getting calls about programs pretending to be registry cleaners, too.”
It’s all about what gives the malware the best chance of getting past Internet security, Memmelaar says. “If it scares people, the crooks will use it.”
About RESCUECOM:
RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.
For More Information, Contact:
David Milman, CEO
315-882-1100
david@rescuecom.com
Filed under: Computer Support, david milman, Internet, security, spyware, virus