Scareware

[Exige77]

Does any one know how to get rid of scare ware ? My computer is infected. As it is not a virus it won't get picked up by Norton and the like.

Very annoying.

Hope someone has some advice.

Thanks

Ex77 (well cheesed off !!)

[Chairman LMAO]

scare ware = spyware???!

Google Spybot and Adaware, then use CCcleaner. All free.

[TheEnd]

What's scareware? thats a new one on me.
Google trendmicro housecall, it's a virus scanner based on an internet server, so any viruses that affect your AV will still be spotted

[Exige77]

It's not a virus so won't get picked up.

It sits on your computer and keeps telling you "Your computer is infected" and keeps sending you to a website where you can buy the cure.

Just for good measure it changes a few things on youe computer to remind you it is there. It is trying to "scare" you into buying some software you don't need

It is well hidden.

B@stard !!

Thanks

Ex77

[Marf]

Does it redirect you to a website that constantly tells you your PC is infected and to download such and such to get rid of it?

I had this last week, firefox would spontaneously open a new tab, a popup would appear saying I'm infected then direct me to a fake anti virus site.

I used a free tool called Malwarebytes Anti Malware to get rid of it.

[TWSTEEL]

Tried all the usual spyware/antivirus and the only one that worked on it was BitDefender 2009. Free trial but if it works as well for you as it did for me you'll probably purchase. Lots of independent compshops use it and swear by it but it doesn't have the high profile of the usual suspects.

[skeeterm5]

I find that the best application for killing this type of thing is:

http://www.malwarebytes.org/

Works for me

S

[bkay88]

If this is persistent and you are genuinely concerned about this, I would recommend formatting your hard drive. (I would never usually suggest this - only in extreme circumstances)

As you are infected with Scareware, there is also the possibility that you are infected with more malicious software that could be used for obtaining personal information, which has 'flown under the radar'.

Edited by bkay88 on Monday 22 December 21:02

[Pupp]

Malware bytes in safe mode, followed by manual deletion of the associated exe file that gets left behind. Took me about two nights to find the bugger (I actaully tripped over the little lgo/icon that shows on the tray when seraching for it so identified it from that)

[philthy]

skeeterm5 said:

I find that the best application for killing this type of thing is:

http://www.malwarebytes.org/

Works for me

S

This will shift it.
It sounds like one of the xp anti virus variants:

[mically]

bkay88 said:

If this is persistent and you are genuinely concerned about this, I would recommend formatting your hard drive. (I would never usually suggest this - only in extreme circumstances)

As you are infected with Scareware, there is also the possibility that you are infected with more malicious software that could be used for obtaining personal information, which has 'flown under the radar'.

Edited by bkay88 on Monday 22 December 21:02

hold your horses young laddy

This is a well known, well documented problem.
Variations of this scam have been around for some time. It's nothing new, nothing to worry about.

A google search will provide a million + 1 results for a cure

I'd advise using the above recommended software.
I first came across this in summer, and had to manually clean the system down. If the s/w doesn't work, let me know and I'll pass on the How2.

Also noting: booting up in safe mode and running SpyBot S&D ought to clear it out.

[Don]

Whaaat? Your computer is infected with scareware.

Switch the computer off. Take it outside, douse it with petrol and burn it. Do the same with every other computer in the house! My God, man, it could spread!

We need Dustin Hoffman in a Hazmat suit now!.

Alternatively the Malwarebytes stuff works rather well.