Courtesy of Panda Security: This week’s PandaLabs report looks at AntiAID and ControlCenter fake antiviruses.
Removal help for both these nasties follows later in this article.
AntiAID is a fake antivirus which when installed on a computer displays a screen comprising several tabs for configuring the protection level, updates, small tools, etc. This malware first simulates a scan of the computer, falsely claiming to detect various examples of malware.
When the scan is finished, a screen appears displaying the results and a warning about the risks of the threats it has supposedly detected. To delete these ‘threats’ users are asked to enter a registration code, and a browser window opens with the page through which users can pay for this code.
Once again, the aim of cyber-crooks is none other than to profit financially from this fraudulent application. Every time users try to remove the malware supposedly detected on their systems, or update components of the application, they will be asked for a payment.
Another fake antivirus, Control Center, operates in a similar fashion. It
fakes a scan of the system and claims to have detected (non-existent)
malware. It then asks for payment in order to remove the ‘malware’.
More information about these and other malicious codes is available in the Panda Security Encyclopedia. You can also follow Panda Security’s online activity on its Twitter and PandaLabs blog.
AntiAID and Control Center Removal Instructions:
If you have become infected by AntiAID, Control Center, or other scareware (rogue software), have your PC worked on by a certified computer technician, who will have the tools, and the competency, to determine if the infection can be removed without causing system damage. Computer technicians do not provide services at no cost, so be prepared for the costs involved.
If you feel you have the necessary skills, and you want to try your hand at removal, then by all means do so.
The following free resources can provide tools and the advice you will need to attempt removal.
Malwarebytes, a very reliable anti-malware company, offers a free version of Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware, a highly rated anti-malware application which is capable of removing many newer rogue applications.
411 Spyware – a site that specializes in malware removal. I highly recommend this site. AntiAID removal, click here. Control Center removal, click here.
Bleeping Computer – a web site where help is available for many computer related problems, including the removal of rogue software. This is another site I highly recommend.
SmitFraudFix, available for download at Geekstogo is a free tool that is continuously updated to assist victims of rogue security applications.
What you can do to reduce the chances of infecting your system with rogue software.
Be careful in downloading freeware or shareware programs. Spyware is occasionally concealed in these programs. Download this type of program only through reputable web sites such as Download.com, or sites that you know to be safe.
Consider carefully the inherent risks attached to peer-to-peer (P2P), or file sharing applications.
Install an Internet Browser add-on that provides protection against questionable or unsafe websites. My personal favorite is Web of Trust, an Internet Explorer/FireFox add-on, that offers substantial protection against questionable or unsafe websites.
Do not click on unsolicited invitations to download software of any kind.
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