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business newsFree Antivirus Software Now Comes with Free Viruses
By
Scott Reeves Apr 09, 2009 12:05 pm
Brief scrutiny of today's headlines.
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Microsoft (MSFT) says it found malicious software -- or malware -- on millions of computers that received automated updates from the company in the second half of 2008.
The cure sounds self-serving, but makes sense: buy antivirus software only from a reputable company, such as Microsoft, Symantec (SYMC), McAfee (MFE) or Trend Micro.
Many users download the malicious software because it’s pitched as a free virus scan, and the website offering the download looks professional. Typically, the scan provides no check, but ads software that allows others to steal passwords, banking information and other sensitive data. A variation asks the user to buy a security package that does little or nothing to track down computer worms.
Fake antivirus software apparently got a boost from worldwide concern about the Conficker computer worm that received extensive coverage in the general press.
Reputable software packages such as Ad-Aware SE, AVG Anti-Virus and Avast can generally detect the rogue software. But removal can sometimes be difficult because the malware is often a step ahead of commercial antivirus software.
Microsoft said it found Win32/FakeXPA and Win32/FakeSecSen on about 1.5 million computers and Win32/Renos on another 4.4 million computers.
Microsoft says increased security for operating systems forced many attackers to go after a user’s applications such as Adobe (ADBE) Flash, RealPlayer and Microsoft Office.
Wikipedia’s list of rogue software is 2 pages long. The names of many malicious software packages are close to legitimate programs in an effort to trick the user into downloading them. Names of known malware include Advanced Cleaner, AntiSpycheck, MacSweeper, MaxAntispyware, SpywareProtect 2009, TotalSecure 2009, Total Security 2008Virus GTrigger, and WinDefender.
Think back to your high school Latin: Caveat emptor - let the buyer beware.
No positions in stocks mentioned.
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