Scareware virus alert

May 26, 2010 by admin    6 Comments    Posted under: Viruses & Malware

Windows Security Center Alert

The screenshot above is from an email urging us at Scam Detectives HQ to download “Spyware Remove” because:

Windows has detected an internet hack attempt

Someone’s trying to infect your PC with spyware or harmful viruses

Run full system scan now to protect your PC from Internet attacks, hijacking attempts and spyware

This is a “Scareware” email which hopes to frighten you into downloading malware to your computer. Nobody has tried to hack into your computer (yet) but they may do if you download the file suggested

Antivirus failed to pick up the email as a virus attempt and it made it through my spam filter.

A quick Google search identifies the most likely virus contained in this attack as the “Vundo” virus, which can result in degradation of your computer’s performance as well as denial of service to such sites as Google and Facebook. It hides well from antivirus scans and has been known to attack anti malware solutions by removing essential components.

If you have been infected, our friends at Bleeping Computer have some great tips on how to remove it.

UPDATE 2nd June 2010: We received another of these today, with a new picture and wording.

For screen readers the text reads: Your computer is infected by spyware – 34 serious threats have been found while scanning your files and registry. It is strongly recommended that you disinfect your computer and activate Realtime secure protection against future intrusions.

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