Symantec: Millions of computers infected by fake security software
by Stevie Smith - Oct 21 2009, 16:15
Millions have already fallen foul of fake online security. Don't be a victim. Image: Symantec.
If leading security vendor Symantec is to be believed, then diligent PC owners actively keen to protect their computers from cyber criminals might still be vulnerable to attack despite seeking to take preventative action.
Specifically, a new report published by Symantec, creators of Norton Internet Security, suggests that tens of millions of computers in the United States are equipped with bogus security software that leaves host systems even more susceptible to the malicious intent of the criminal community.
According to Symantec, cyber-thieves infect unprotected computers with fake security pop-up warnings that alert unwitting Web surfers to completely fictional online threats, before then offering to conveniently stamp those threats out with fee-based anti-virus software.
Once installed, said bogus protection can actually serve as a conduit for attackers to assume control of the computer remotely, which in turn can allow attackers to lift credit card information, perform identity theft, and also use the host computer to dispatch Spam e-mails.
Symantec’s report on cybercrime outlines some 250 fake security software offerings that attempt (and often succeed) to lure unfortunate and ignorant victims with authentic sounding product names such as SpywareGuard 2008 and AntiVirus 2010.
If you’re not particularly well versed when it comes to the legitimate business of Internet protection, we here at The Tech Herald would recommend looking out for products carrying reputable and proven brand names such as Symantec, McAfee and Kaspersky.
And, if in doubt, remember that Google is your friend and being suitably informed is often the simple line of separation between well-rounded protection and online peace of mind, and a potentially empty bank account and a computer crammed full of infection.
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