Scareware is a type of malware that is designed to scare and trick you into thinking that your computer is infected with a virus or malware, in order to get you to purchase useless software or provide personal information. Scareware can be distributed through various means such as pop-up ads, email attachments, and links on social media. In this article, we will take a closer look at how scareware works and what you can do to protect yourself from it.
How scareware works
Scareware typically begins with a pop-up or warning message claiming that your computer has been infected with a virus. This message may appear to be from a legitimate antivirus program or Microsoft itself. The scareware will often make your computer beep, buzz or flash bright warning messages. The goal of the message is to make you panic and take action quickly. The message may state that the only way to fix the problem is to purchase their antivirus software or contact their "tech support" team immediately.
If you fall for the scam and purchase the software, you will either be directed to a fake website to offer your credit card information or not receive software at all. The software that you did pay for is likely to be fake, with no real virus or malware protection.
Scareware can also trick you into installing harmful software that can damage your computer or steal your personal information. This type of scareware may appear to be a legitimate software update or a free download for popular software like Adobe Reader or Flash Player. Once installed, this software can inject malicious code into your computer, which can allow hackers to access your files or track your online activities.
Real-life examples
Scareware has been around for years, but it continues to evolve and become more sophisticated. In 2017, a scareware campaign targeting Mac users was discovered. The fake software, called "MacDefender," mimicked the look and feel of the legitimate antivirus program, prompting users to enter their credit card information to download updated virus definitions.
Similarly, in 2020, another scareware campaign targeted Chrome and Edge users through malicious extensions. The extensions were designed to hijack browser activity, redirecting users to malicious websites and displaying pop-ups prompting them to install antivirus software.
These examples demonstrate how scareware attacks can be very convincing and how easy it is to be fooled by them.
Protecting yourself against scareware
There are several steps that you can take to protect yourself against scareware:
1. Install a reputable antivirus program and keep it updated.
Antivirus programs can detect and remove scareware from your computer before it infects your files. Make sure you keep your antivirus program updated so that it can detect the latest threats.
2. Be wary of pop-up ads and unsolicited emails
Don't click on pop-up ads or links within emails that you are not 100% sure about. If a pop-up appears claiming that your computer is infected, don't panic and don't click on the link. Instead, close your browser and run a scan with your antivirus program.
3. Be cautious when installing software
Scareware can be bundled with legitimate software. To avoid this, only download software from trusted websites and read the terms of agreement before installation. Avoid clicking on ads that promote software products that you are not familiar with.
4. Regularly backup your files
Scareware can damage your computer, and if it does this, you could lose all your data. A regular backup can help you to recover from this type of attack.
5. Keep your operating system current with the latest updates.
Operating system updates often include security patches for vulnerabilities that hackers can use to gain access to your computer and install scareware.
Conclusion
Scareware is a dangerous type of malware that tricks users into believing their computer is infected, leading to financial loss or identity theft. While it can be challenging to avoid scareware attacks completely, taking the necessary precautions, such as updating your antivirus software and being cautious when installing software, can help protect you against this type of scam. Remember, if a pop-up appears on your browser claiming that your computer is infected, don't panic and run an antivirus program that you trust.
