Geeks On Site Warns Against Misleading Applications
Are you familiar with the term misleading applications
? Or maybe Rogue Security Software and Rogue Anti-Virus sound more familiar? Well, it is another issue connected to your computer that could give you a real headache. The faster the computer industry evolves, the faster (and smarter!) potential threats get, that invade our computers. They show up in disguise, well hidden or looking very innocent. If you want to learn more about how to protect yourself; take a few minutes and read this article carefully. We are sure it will be very interesting to you, not to mention helpful too!
Misleading applications, as the name suggests, are different applications, often shown as anti-virus programs that could complicate your life more than you thought they ever could. Usually, you can find them on websites that offer pirated (i.e. stolen) copies of movies, music, etc., and also sites that contain adult content; however, do not be too surprised if you bump into them on blogs and forums, or even disguised as ads (banner ads at the top of website pages). You might be surprised to hear that many times they show up as legitimate Microsoft Window Alerts (pop-ups in the lower right corner of the screen). Seeing this window, who wouldnt believe it? After all, its Microsofts official pop-up, warning us about viruses we have got in our computer. Wrong! These applications do not clean your computer; instead most of them contain Trojan horses! According to Wikipedia, A Trojan horse, or Trojan, is malware that appears to perform a desirable function for the user prior to run or install but instead facilitates unauthorized access of the user's computer system."
Typically, one needs to download the application to trigger any sort of negative reaction. Although there are cases where the application enters into your system through an un-patched flaw in the browser and launches a small downloading program, not surprisingly called Downloader. Once a Downloader has essentially installed itself onto your computer, it then downloads the misleading application onto your computer as well. This is an example of how a misleading application can be harmful without a lot of help from your side. Because of the method this application uses to enter your system, it is also known as a drive-by install.
Once installed on the computer, the misleading application warns you about a virus on your computer (usually) in the form of a Microsoft Windows Alert pop-up. When you click on the pop-up, the application will start scanning your computer, but it wont actually be doing anything, just counting the approximate time of a real scan, and when the time runs out it will give you a message or a summary of the scan. The summary fakes the report showing you viruses in your system. Most likely, those viruses do not even exist in the computer, but this application works to exaggerate the results in order to make you buy this specific (bogus) software that will help you remove shown viruses from your computer.
So, in case you are still wondering: If I buy the software, will I get rid of viruses from my computer? The answer is NO! The scan is not the only thing that is fake; the anti-virus programs are too. The ultimate ploy is to get your credit card/debit card information, as well as other personal information about you.
We must admit, it is a well thought out plan; praying on peoples trust and lack of knowledge about computer viruses to get money out of them. If it has happened to you, you should not feel bad about it because, lets face it, who would ever doubt the legitimacy of a Microsoft application (or at least Microsoft-like one). Some tips you should follow: a legitimate anti-virus program provider will not ask you to buy their service in two parts, once for scanning and once for the actual cleaning of the computer. Also, be very cautious when browsing the net, clicking links, ads and/or applications promoting system security, especially the ones (very) similar to Microsoft Windows Alert. Moreover, you should not open (click on) any error dialog that you are not 100% sure about. Finally, once you get a misleading application on your computer, it is really hard to get rid of it; therefore, take care about what anti-virus program you are installing on your computer, and certainly keep it up to date.
by: Martina R.
Reverse Cell Phone Directory -Searching for free of charge Site? Maintaining A Safe Site - Site Management Training Increase website traffic facebook Five Reasons You May Require Promotional Clothing Websites for independent financial advisors Website Tracking Campus-based Web Hosting Forum Analysis And Shopping Guide - On Campus, The Forum-type Site, Virtual Niche Website, Helping You Succeed People Not Visiting Your Website? 10 Reasons Why Ground Source Heat Pump Technology Promotion And Application Of High-level Forum Held In Beijing - Website Design For Finger Lakes Photographers - Photographic Websites How To Easily Fix The Google Redirects To Other Sites Problem Find best shoes at review sites