Vista Tutorial - Fake antivirus programs

**NormCameron** · 11-10-2008

You right. Anti-Competative behavior!

**pooch** · 11-10-2008

Yep a no win solution

until somone finds a way to stop these things in the web making it a safer place this problem is going to be here a long time

**AstaLaVista** · 11-10-2008

Quote: Originally Posted by boxterduke

These rogue programs are the worst since they mascaraed as an antivirus and for the normal user, they think that they got a virus and click on yes to install and hello popups galore and other annoying things.

My Aunt got one the other day and nothing could clean it (forgot what is it called, I think XP Antivirus 2008 or so). I had to reformat the drive and reinstall again.

Same thing happened to my neighbor's laptop and no matter what I threw at it, it was imposible to get rid off. I did not know of that malaware app at the time so I just went ahead and did a clean install on it since he doesn't have anything worth saving on it.

Quote: Originally Posted by NormCameron

A friend recently gave me a laptop to look at. It had Antivirus 2008 on it. What a beast it is. I finally removed it, I thought, but then, BSOD every time some component I'd missed tried to run. The upshot was, Reformat. Reinstall. I am convinced you can't remove this vicious little nasty.

My partner got this on his workstation, he says that it came in an e-mail and it all went to hell from there, I asked him if he had opened it and surely he said NO but I know better. Suffice to say, running AVG, Avast or Nod32 on it did nothing and it only caused it to not be able to load to windows. I tried the Repair from the CD and it got it going again but it wasn't able to function correctly after that so we went ahead and did a fresh install.

Quote: Originally Posted by Adamd

I don't use any active program while surfing the net other than Vista's firewall.

I do however scan with ad-aware, spybot...

I never run into any problems, and I don't waste my money on expensive virus protection because it's not needed for "smart" computer users lol.

You know, this is something that I have been pondering on for some time now. I do have Windows firewall On and Avast pro on my rig but, everytime I have gotten into a serious problem, no A.V. A.A. or A.S has helped me any because the virus/worm or trojan is just that new so, I am kind of comtenplating to not run anything at all, at the very least, my system will run faster w/o.

On the other hand, that false sense of security having those apps gives you is a refreshing peace of mind... even though it won't help on a 0-day malaware script.

I am torn to say the least!

Quote:

I agree BFK, I don't care WHO you are or how well you think you know PC security, if you run around without proper protection, you are going to pay for it sooner or later. I Do know security having worked inside the industry and worked with many well known antimalware developers, and I know how well a properly designed threat can defeat even a seemingly well defended system. So having minimal protection (say...just a firewall..) just won't cut it if you come across some of the REAL threats out there.
I've decompiled and tested well over 1500 malware variants, and some are so well crafted that almost anything you have for defences can be defeated at times. These are not "Skript-kiddie" threats, these are designed by professional engineers and take into account just about everything you may have to protect yourself...and then they defeat them. Any software protections can be defeated because new ways to get around things are discovered daily, so even the best protections can fall if you run across a real 0-day threat designed by a professional at the wrong time. Having quality security products gives you a better chance to avoid infections but they will never guarantee full security, having minimal protection is just asking for trouble...your choice I guess.

Anyone who says that they surf at will with minimal or no protection and NEVER have had a problem, should put another little word in that sentence..."yet".
They simply have to wait for the day they to come (and it will) when they get bitten, or they probably aren't telling the entire truth about never being infected by something before.

I also agree but, if none of the apps will help you on a o-day malaware, what good are they really if that virus is the one who will destroy your rig completely? Wouldn't we be better off making sure our backups are up to date and just hope that you will only loose a day or two worth of needed data when they strike?

Again... I'm torn!

**NormCameron** · 11-10-2008

No matter how many precautions we take, Murphy's Law will get us. But, if we take no precautions, who needs Murphy's Law. It becomes just a matter of time. I'd rather reformat once a year than once a week. So I do all the good stuff. Makes me feel better and at least I only have to worry about that damn irishman

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**amd64x2** · 11-10-2008

I worked on a friend's laptop once, just a routine cleanup because it was slow. He has the infamous Antivirus 2008! I called him and he said it popped up and brought him to a site that told him it was a good program and to buy it for $50! He gave the site his information and card # and bought this virus! Took some persuading to get rid of but its gone! He wasn't able to get in touch with the company (for obvious reasons) but called his credit card company and told them what happened and they credited him.

I always run an adblocker and popupblocker in my browser (FireFox) as well as use an active antivirus program and a hardware firewall in my router to protect myself.

**Dwarf** · 11-12-2008

The main reason why malware writers chiefly target Windows (all variations) is that Microsoft (MS) make up the vast majority of computers in the world. That does not mean to say that the Apple Mac and Linux (and other OSes) are imune - far from it. If one of these manufacturers/operating systems were in the same domineering position as MS then they would be the chief target.

**mike-cow** · 11-12-2008

Quote: Originally Posted by wwoods

Oh...it can....he can say whatever he wants, I am not a mod and in no way enforce anyting...it was just a suggestion.

Moderated by myself... While I don't consider my post to have been inapropriate in itself, it was off-topic, and could hpotentially have caused a heated debate on free speech and humanity in general. This is not the time or place for that. My apologies for any inconvenience I have averted.

**z3r010** · 11-12-2008

Back on topic please and maybe remind yourselves of our forum rules-

http://www.vistax64.com/general-discussion/118651-forum-rules.html.

**thepizzaman** · 11-12-2008

Quote: Originally Posted by Dwarf

The main reason why malware writers chiefly target Windows (all variations) is that Microsoft (MS) make up the vast majority of computers in the world. That does not mean to say that the Apple Mac and Linux (and other OSes) are imune - far from it. If one of these manufacturers/operating systems were in the same domineering position as MS then they would be the chief target.

ok yes that is true.......... the biggest threat to ubuntu users is..... someone giving you bad codes and you inputting them and wipeing your harddrive

**thepizzaman** · 11-12-2008

o has anyone used avari antivi to get rid of any of these viruses?

11-10-2008	#11 (permalink)
NormCameron Master Join Date: Aug 2008 Windows 7 Ultimate 32 bit Beta, Vista Ultimate x86 1,082 posts	Re: Fake antivirus programs You right. Anti-Competative behavior!
My System Specs

11-10-2008	#12 (permalink)
pooch Old Dog Join Date: Sep 2008 Vista Ultimatex64 Windows 7 build 7100 1,046 posts	Re: Fake antivirus programs Yep a no win solution until somone finds a way to stop these things in the web making it a safer place this problem is going to be here a long time
My System Specs

11-10-2008	#13 (permalink)
AstaLaVista Lost in Cyberspace Join Date: Sep 2008 Vista x64 + Windows 7 x64 (Ultimate) 1,204 posts	Re: Fake antivirus programs Quote: Originally Posted by boxterduke These rogue programs are the worst since they mascaraed as an antivirus and for the normal user, they think that they got a virus and click on yes to install and hello popups galore and other annoying things. My Aunt got one the other day and nothing could clean it (forgot what is it called, I think XP Antivirus 2008 or so). I had to reformat the drive and reinstall again. Same thing happened to my neighbor's laptop and no matter what I threw at it, it was imposible to get rid off. I did not know of that malaware app at the time so I just went ahead and did a clean install on it since he doesn't have anything worth saving on it. Quote: Originally Posted by NormCameron A friend recently gave me a laptop to look at. It had Antivirus 2008 on it. What a beast it is. I finally removed it, I thought, but then, BSOD every time some component I'd missed tried to run. The upshot was, Reformat. Reinstall. I am convinced you can't remove this vicious little nasty. My partner got this on his workstation, he says that it came in an e-mail and it all went to hell from there, I asked him if he had opened it and surely he said NO but I know better. Suffice to say, running AVG, Avast or Nod32 on it did nothing and it only caused it to not be able to load to windows. I tried the Repair from the CD and it got it going again but it wasn't able to function correctly after that so we went ahead and did a fresh install. Quote: Originally Posted by Adamd I don't use any active program while surfing the net other than Vista's firewall. I do however scan with ad-aware, spybot... I never run into any problems, and I don't waste my money on expensive virus protection because it's not needed for "smart" computer users lol. You know, this is something that I have been pondering on for some time now. I do have Windows firewall On and Avast pro on my rig but, everytime I have gotten into a serious problem, no A.V. A.A. or A.S has helped me any because the virus/worm or trojan is just that new so, I am kind of comtenplating to not run anything at all, at the very least, my system will run faster w/o. On the other hand, that false sense of security having those apps gives you is a refreshing peace of mind... even though it won't help on a 0-day malaware script. I am torn to say the least! Quote: I agree BFK, I don't care WHO you are or how well you think you know PC security, if you run around without proper protection, you are going to pay for it sooner or later. I Do know security having worked inside the industry and worked with many well known antimalware developers, and I know how well a properly designed threat can defeat even a seemingly well defended system. So having minimal protection (say...just a firewall..) just won't cut it if you come across some of the REAL threats out there. I've decompiled and tested well over 1500 malware variants, and some are so well crafted that almost anything you have for defences can be defeated at times. These are not "Skript-kiddie" threats, these are designed by professional engineers and take into account just about everything you may have to protect yourself...and then they defeat them. Any software protections can be defeated because new ways to get around things are discovered daily, so even the best protections can fall if you run across a real 0-day threat designed by a professional at the wrong time. Having quality security products gives you a better chance to avoid infections but they will never guarantee full security, having minimal protection is just asking for trouble...your choice I guess. Anyone who says that they surf at will with minimal or no protection and NEVER have had a problem, should put another little word in that sentence..."yet". They simply have to wait for the day they to come (and it will) when they get bitten, or they probably aren't telling the entire truth about never being infected by something before. I also agree but, if none of the apps will help you on a o-day malaware, what good are they really if that virus is the one who will destroy your rig completely? Wouldn't we be better off making sure our backups are up to date and just hope that you will only loose a day or two worth of needed data when they strike? Again... I'm torn!
My System Specs

11-10-2008	#14 (permalink)
NormCameron Master Join Date: Aug 2008 Windows 7 Ultimate 32 bit Beta, Vista Ultimate x86 1,082 posts	Re: Fake antivirus programs No matter how many precautions we take, Murphy's Law will get us. But, if we take no precautions, who needs Murphy's Law. It becomes just a matter of time. I'd rather reformat once a year than once a week. So I do all the good stuff. Makes me feel better and at least I only have to worry about that damn irishman
My System Specs

11-10-2008	#15 (permalink)
amd64x2 Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Vista Business x64 13 posts	Re: Fake antivirus programs I worked on a friend's laptop once, just a routine cleanup because it was slow. He has the infamous Antivirus 2008! I called him and he said it popped up and brought him to a site that told him it was a good program and to buy it for $50! He gave the site his information and card # and bought this virus! Took some persuading to get rid of but its gone! He wasn't able to get in touch with the company (for obvious reasons) but called his credit card company and told them what happened and they credited him. I always run an adblocker and popupblocker in my browser (FireFox) as well as use an active antivirus program and a hardware firewall in my router to protect myself.
My System Specs

11-12-2008	#16 (permalink)
Dwarf The Contemplator Join Date: Mar 2008 Vista Home Premium 32-bit & Vista Ultimate 64-bit both Service Pack 2 W7 Pro RTM 7600 32 & 64 2,135 posts	Re: Fake antivirus programs The main reason why malware writers chiefly target Windows (all variations) is that Microsoft (MS) make up the vast majority of computers in the world. That does not mean to say that the Apple Mac and Linux (and other OSes) are imune - far from it. If one of these manufacturers/operating systems were in the same domineering position as MS then they would be the chief target.
My System Specs

11-12-2008	#17 (permalink)
mike-cow Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Vista Home Premium x64 169 posts	Re: Fake antivirus programs Quote: Originally Posted by wwoods Oh...it can....he can say whatever he wants, I am not a mod and in no way enforce anyting...it was just a suggestion. Moderated by myself... While I don't consider my post to have been inapropriate in itself, it was off-topic, and could hpotentially have caused a heated debate on free speech and humanity in general. This is not the time or place for that. My apologies for any inconvenience I have averted. Last edited by mike-cow; 11-12-2008 at 04:34 PM..
My System Specs

11-12-2008	#18 (permalink)
z3r010 I’m a PC Join Date: Oct 2005 Windows 7 Ultimate x64 21,381 posts	Re: Fake antivirus programs Back on topic please and maybe remind yourselves of our forum rules- http://www.vistax64.com/general-discussion/118651-forum-rules.html.
My System Specs

11-12-2008	#19 (permalink)
thepizzaman ATI\AMD <3 Jesus..<3 Join Date: Oct 2008 Vista Home Premium 32bit and Ubuntu 9.10 32bit 1,243 posts	Re: Fake antivirus programs Quote: Originally Posted by Dwarf The main reason why malware writers chiefly target Windows (all variations) is that Microsoft (MS) make up the vast majority of computers in the world. That does not mean to say that the Apple Mac and Linux (and other OSes) are imune - far from it. If one of these manufacturers/operating systems were in the same domineering position as MS then they would be the chief target. ok yes that is true.......... the biggest threat to ubuntu users is..... someone giving you bad codes and you inputting them and wipeing your harddrive
My System Specs

11-12-2008	#20 (permalink)
thepizzaman ATI\AMD <3 Jesus..<3 Join Date: Oct 2008 Vista Home Premium 32bit and Ubuntu 9.10 32bit 1,243 posts	Re: Fake antivirus programs o has anyone used avari antivi to get rid of any of these viruses?
My System Specs

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