QUOTE
Revealed: The anatomy of an internet scam
Scareware networks are bad for your PC - and your pocket
By Jo Best
Published: 19 October 2009 05:01 BST
Scareware is bad for your PC and your pocket - but the fake security warning messages popping up on your screen are only the most visible part of a complex scam.
Scareware is fake security software, often heralded by an ersatz dialogue box warning unsuspecting users that their PC is under attack by malware or that it's at risk of a virus infection. For a small fee, the scareware promises, it can solve those security woes.
Needless to say, after victims hand over their credit card details, at best they receive useless software or nothing at all, and at worst, they download themselves a wolf in sheep's clothing - malware purporting to be antivirus software.
Scareware is a growing problem - according to the Anti Phising Working Group, the amount of rogue antivirus software has increased six-fold in the first half of this year and 200 gangs are using it to make money.
More:
http://software.silicon.com/security/0,390...39582320,00.htm
Scareware networks are bad for your PC - and your pocket
By Jo Best
Published: 19 October 2009 05:01 BST
Scareware is bad for your PC and your pocket - but the fake security warning messages popping up on your screen are only the most visible part of a complex scam.
Scareware is fake security software, often heralded by an ersatz dialogue box warning unsuspecting users that their PC is under attack by malware or that it's at risk of a virus infection. For a small fee, the scareware promises, it can solve those security woes.
Needless to say, after victims hand over their credit card details, at best they receive useless software or nothing at all, and at worst, they download themselves a wolf in sheep's clothing - malware purporting to be antivirus software.
Scareware is a growing problem - according to the Anti Phising Working Group, the amount of rogue antivirus software has increased six-fold in the first half of this year and 200 gangs are using it to make money.
More:
http://software.silicon.com/security/0,390...39582320,00.htm