Note: The date says "2022," but I did that so this post could always stay on the top of the webpage.
Q: WHAT ARE ROGUE ANTIVIRUSES?A: Rogue Antiviruses are programs that pretend to be antiviruses that help you keep your PC protected and safe, but really, they are actually viruses in disguise. The "scans" that most rogues have really are simulated, and usually display a bunch of serious-looking viruses. However, these viruses are non-existent. Another thing that rogues might do is detect files that are helpful for your PC (e.g. svchost.exe, a vital component of Windows), and make you delete them, which ruins your computer instead. Basically, they are fake antiviruses that don't do any help.
Q: HOW DO THEY GET ONTO MY COMPUTER?
A: They get onto your computer in many ways. The first way is simple- you probably find something on a torrent site or some random webpage that appears to be antivirus software, and you download it. (Really, it is FAKE SOFTWARE.) The second way is through a random pop-up that says something like, "YOUR COMPUTER IS INFECTED!" or a fake Windows Security Center or a legit-seeming notice with Windows logos and will force you to download an "antivirus software." A strategy that makes it hard for you to not download this is that the popup will have a "Download" button and a "Continue Unprotected" button (or something similar.) However, even if you press Continue Unprotected, your browser will still download the program. The easiest way to get around this is to press Alt-F4 or use your Task Manager to close your browser.
Q: [ROGUE ANTIVIRUS] is impossible to uninstall. Why?
A: Because most software developers want their rogue to be constantly provoking your PC, most rogues do not have any uninstall information. The easiest way is to get some legit antivirus software and run a scan, and usually they can be detected. However, there are some software that is specially made to detect rogue antiviruses, and the three best ones are (based on my own experience and customer reviews):
1. MalwareBytes Antimalware
2. PC Tools Spyware Doctor
3. SUPER AntiSpyware
You can find them at download.com, which is a virus-free site.
Q: How can I prevent these rogues?
A: Be careful when you see fishy notifications or random "virus scans" popping out. These are usually fake. Note that legit software doesn't use these types of advertising. Also, there is an incomplete list of rogues you can find on Wikipedia here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_rogue_security_software There is also a WikiHow article that covers a lot of things: http://www.wikihow.com/Distinguish-Between-a-'rogue-Antivirus'-and-a-'legit'-One
That's pretty much it. Be looking for some removal guides for the latest threats!!!
