Safer computing: How to Avoid Fake Anti-Virus.

My last post was about How to Detect and Avoid Fake Anti-Virus. Of course detecting it and identifying is the first step in avoiding it. The authors of these malicious software however are very tricky. And one of their ploys is tricking you in installing their malware while making you believe you have cancelled the installation.

Now let's take a look at some of their tricks.

1. Warning Messages. - fake anti-virus would pop up messages that would warn you that your computer is at risk or under attack by viruses. Other variations will tell you that your system needs an update.

How to determine. Some are very easy to tell just by looking at their grammar. But some authors have learned to improve their English already, so to make sure, check if the warning message is from one of the software that you have already installed.

What to do when the warning message pops up?
This is where they get tricky, when a warning message pops up, it usually offers you options to continue installing or to cancel the installation.(so it would seem). If it is a message box, do not click any of the buttons, both buttons will install the fake anti-virus. Personally I will click the Close [x] button at the upper right corner of the pop-up window. If you see two of these [X] buttons, click the top most. Or the safest option if you are not sure, close your browser right away.

Coming up next: Suggested software that will protect you from fake anti-virus.