What Is Rogue Anti Spyware and How Does It Work?
If you have been using the Internet for any length of time it is likely you have been bombarded with freebies for download. There are so many download offers that it is difficult to tell which ones are legitimate. Many of the programs make you believe they are authentic but then when you download them you learn that they actually create the very problem you are trying to solve. This is what rogue anti spyware programs are all about.
Rogue Anti Spyware Defined
Rogue anti spyware is a program that looks like legitimate spyware removal software when in reality it creates additional malware on your PC. Once the rogue anti spyware product is downloaded on your PC it leads you to believe your PC is infected with multiple Trojans and other malware. The truth is that rogue anti spyware is actually spyware in itself and distracts you by making you believe your PC has multiple threats. Meanwhile it is downloading programs that spy on your computing activity.
Where Rogue Anti Spyware Originates
Rogue anti spyware originates from its creators who are criminals seeking monetary gain from the scheme. You can inadvertently download rogue anti spyware from an infected website, websites that have been hijacked by the criminal, or via freeware downloads, to name a few methods.
When criminals create rogue anti spyware they insert the code into website links, images, ActiveX controls, and other components that you click on when browsing the Internet. The fake spyware program is typically installed as a Trojan and runs in the background of your PC.
How Rogue Anti Spyware Works
Once rogue anti spyware is present on your PC it can display a number of behaviors depending upon what the program is designed to do. Typically a rogue anti spyware program will display popups that contain fake alerts along with a spyware scan that is bogus.
The scan pretends to complete itself and then attempts to notify you of the malware and threats that have been found. The program then offers to remove the malware when you upgrade to a more advanced version using your credit card. Once you reveal your credit card number, your financial information is sent to a remote server and you are stuck with the malware that the rogue anti spyware program installed on your PC.
The main issue with rogue anti spyware programs is they are difficult to remove without a legitimate anti spyware program. They are also capable of installing additional malware that is designed to track your browsing activity, record your keystrokes, steal passwords and other confidential data before it sends your information to a remote server where it is sold on the black market or used to commit identity theft.
Other types of rogue anti spyware programs will unlawfully charge your credit card or use your credit card information to learn more about other financial accounts you have. Additionally, the more recent types of rogue anti spyware use more aggressive methods such as displaying bogus alerts regarding hard drive errors, blocking the use of your PC applications, and sending fake alerts that lead you to believe your browser or desktop is being hijacked. This activity scares you into purchasing rogue anti spyware and fake security applications by imitating the appearance of a legitimate Windows security alert.
Anti spyware programs are a must if you are connected to the Internet however, you should remain aware of the rogue programs that actually do more damage to your PC instead of providing a solution.
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