Web-Users Fall For Fake AV

Fearing their computers may be prone to viruses, many web-users download fake anti-virus software, only to find later that their bank details have been hacked.

According to the latest research by GetSafeOnline.org, the UK’s national internet security initiative, a rising nunber of organised criminal gangs are tricking security-conscious intenet-users into purchasing anti-virus software to access their bank details.

Posing as legitimate IT helpdesks, these fraudsters target internet users concerned about protecting their computers. By offering free virus checks, they normally tell consumers that their machines are infected and offer fake security software protection – usually costing around £30 – which is actually malicious software in disguise.

Scareware earns millions

This ‘scareware,’ software has earned criminal gangs millions to date.  Nearly one in four UK adult internet users have been approached by these gangs, and the majority is unaware ofthe danger.

Promoting the Get Safe Online awareness week, which runs from Novermber 15 to 19, the RT Hon Baroness Neville-Jones, Minister of State for Security, warned users of IT helpdesk scams.

“While it’s encouraging to see that UK web users are today more security-aware, criminals will always try to be ahead of the game and will use increasingly sophisticated methods to take advantage where they can,” said Neville-Jones.

Meanwhile, Symantec – which has warned about scareware in the past – claims that one in ten of the UK’s adult population has actually fallen victim to online fraud, with 15 percent of those victims losing £1000 or more.

Symantec suggests that users

• Protect computers with firewalls and anti-virus
• Keep passwords secret and change them often.
• Verify web sites they visit
• Don’t download email attachments or click on email links unless you are sure they are from someone you trust
• Ensure they use secure Wi-Fi networks