Beware of Misleading Applications

by Frank Jovine on 01/30/2009 in Fake Antivirus, Security

If you ever see a strange security message pop up like an advertisement while you’re surfing the web, avoid clicking on that advertisement. If you ever see an unexpected balloon message appear from an unknown program on your system, telling you that you’re infected with a new threat, avoid click on the message. These are common tactics used by “misleading applications” and other people refer to as “Rogue AntiSpyware” or “SMITFraud”.

What are the Dangers?

Misleading applications, sometimes called rogue anti-spyware or “SMITFraud”, trick consumers into believing a problem exists on their system. Consumers who trust the messages are tricked into purchasing bogus applications for resolution of the problems they have been duped into believing exist. Misleading applications scam consumers out of money, faking the existence of problems and failing to deliver the protection they promise.

Be Smart

  • Always purchase products from reputable sources such as; Symantec, TrendMicro, McAfee, Computer Associates, Avast, AVG, or Kaspersky.
  • See what others are saying about the product by visiting sites like CNet.com.
  • Avoid downloading products for free using file sharing web sites.
  • Be especially cautious when clicking on pop-up advertisements—especially ads promoting system security or performance tools that look like a standard Microsoft Windows alert.
  • Keep software and security patches up to date.

Avoid these Misleading Applications

  • WinFixer
  • Ultimate Defender
  • SpySheriff
  • MalwareWipe
  • DriveCleaner
  • AVSystemCare
  • 1stAntiVirus
  • VirusBurst
  • SpywareQuake
  • AntispywareSoldier

If you know other misleading applications, please comment and we will add to the list. Please provide a link to your source so we can validate your findings.

  • Share/Bookmark

6 Responses to “Beware of Misleading Applications”

  2. Athlonite

    Jan 31st, 2009

    Hey Frank !

    It’s too bad you didn’t include Avira AntiVir in your list as this security program is rated as being the best in it’s class.

    If you want a long list of those Rogue programs, have a look at this site http://www.xp-vista.com . You will have all of the new ones along with the manual removal for most of them. One word of warning, they promote SpyHunter which should NOT be
    recommended to anyone. It’s too bad they have this on site as the removal instructions are good.

    Another little security app. to use in case you are infected would be RogueFix : http://www.internetinspiration.co.uk/roguefix.htm and if you still can’t get the thing off your PC then give
    ComboFix a try. Just be careful to follow the instructions
    to the letter.
    Athlonite

    • Frank J

      Jan 31st, 2009

      I may check it out and add it, thanks!

  3. Jack Clarke

    Jan 31st, 2009

    Good article. I encountered several computers recently that were badly infected with smitfraud although there are some good tools that will remove it.

    • Frank J

      Feb 1st, 2009

      Glad this information helps. It’s important to always go to a well known and trusted resource.

  4. The Electronic Cigarette

    Mar 23rd, 2009

    My father-in-law had his new computer for less than a week when he clicked on one of these pop ups and got a virus for his trouble. Thanks for this warning.