You definitely know that having an antivirus program protecting your computer is a necessary requirement of nowadays Internet surfing. Research shows that a computer without antivirus protection when connected online stays clean for about 20 seconds before getting infected with a virus or other malware code. You don't even need to open Internet Explorer or other preferred browser to get attacked by intruding programs.
However, what you might not know is that antivirus software may be hiding more danger inside than its lack. In fact, in the year 2008 IT security pofessionals pointed out at a new type of Internet crime: selling fake antivirus and antispyware software.
This may sound insane, but many victims of such dreading purchases paid money and revealed their credit card information intentionally and consciensciously, being assured that they were buying a reputable security software called XP antivirus.
This fake PC security software also carries other names, such as: Windows XP Antivirus 2008, IEDefender, Windows Vista Antivirus 2008, etc. It is available from dozens of domains for download, and the number of download sites is increasing over time.
How do you get XP Antivirus onto your computer?
Main target of instrusion for this rogue antivirus is Windows systems without firewall protection enabled. The current active antivirus protections doesn't mean your computer is safe and protected against infection: it is reported that XP anti virus skips unnoticed by the following security programs:
- Norton Antivirus, Internet Security, 360, etc.
- McAfee VirusScan, Plus and Enterprise versions (even with antispyware module); Internet Security and Total Security suites;
- AVG Antivirus 7.5/8.0, both stand-alone and Internet Security;
- Protector Plus 2008;
- Lavasoft Ad-aware 2007;
- SpyBot Search & Destroy 1.5.x
(It should be noted, though, that makers of the above listed programs may some time release updates to their software to add the detection capacity of Windows XP antivirus 2008).
How do you know your PC has been infected with XP antivirus or its clone?
There are several signs signifying that your system has been attacked by XP antivirus. Some of the most easily noticeable are listed below:
- Pop-ups appear on the desktop without browsers open, telling about present system infection;
- A Windows Security Center balloon in the notification area is recommending to download antivirus XP software to clean out the computer;
- You see pop-ups while surfing the Web which offer you a free online scan for viruses and spyware.
If you experience such or similar activity on your PC, please NEVER click on "ok" or "scan" buttons to prevent things getting worse.
How dangerous is XP antivirus?
It is reported that XP antivirus may damage Windows systems seriously, by causing the following effects:
- excessive memory consumption;
- high CPU usage ;
- cluttering desktop with pop-up ads (no pop-up blocker helps to prevent them);
- modified Windows registry with malicious entries added;
- slow sustem responsiveness;
- long booting time;
- various errors on programs launch, or system start-up;
- inability to boot into log-in screen;
There have been evidences that XP antivirus transmits private data over the web to its servers.
How do you remove XP antivirus completely off your PC?
To remove XP antivirus, you can follow two ways, or make a combination of both: manual and semi-automatic. The latter involves the use of special tools or software.
Note: not all antispyware programs available on the market are capable of XP antivirus detection and removal. In fact, the majority of antispyware tools miss this dangerous malware. Unfortunately, several popular Internet Security Suites from world renowned manufacturers fall into this category, so if your system is protected by one of them, it is possible that your PC is at risk of being infected (if hadn't been already).
If your PC is one of the millions of unlucky computers and got XP antivirus infection, you can follow the steps and use the tools recommended by Windows XP Antivirus Removal Guide.
Below is a screensot of one of the many builds of XP antivirus so that you know what to stay from.
