Rouge Antivirus List

DarkHououmon · **Reply #20 on:** June 08, 2009, 01:42:30 AM

My Vista computer was almost infected by a rogue similar to WinDefender, but it was instead called WinPC Defender. Malwarebytes was able to remove the trojan and registry key that ended up on the computer, but since there were no fake alerts at all, I assume the program wasn't even installed to begin with. The only reason I knew which rogue it was was because Malwarebytes was able to provide the name in the results.

landbeforetimelover · **Reply #21 on:** June 08, 2009, 12:54:13 PM

There's a new thing out called "Search Settings 1.2.1". Normally I don't blow the whistle on these sort of things, but I must stress that this is NOT a virus, malware, spyware, or anything malicious! If you look online 99% of the results say it's malware but it's not! If you go download some crap to get rid of Search Settings, you're just going to get a REAL virus.

Normally I wouldn't be concerned, but 14 of my computers have come down with this. It's a rogue package installer and it'll keep trying to install and install and it really acts like a nasty bug. All you have to do is download the package install cleaner from Microsoft and remove Search Settings from the list and it will go away. It seems that MS has released an update that doesn't work on most computers. Typical.

There should be a new update out in a few weeks, but until then if you get the Search Settings setup program going all of a sudden go download the package install cleaner from MS.

Petrie. · **Reply #22 on:** June 09, 2009, 07:11:09 AM

Why would someone download Search Settings in the first place? Is it bundled with other things or is it just something that pops up?

landbeforetimelover · **Reply #23 on:** June 09, 2009, 12:07:50 PM

Quote

Why would someone download Search Settings in the first place? Is it bundled with other things or is it just something that pops up?

It comes with a certain windows update that MS is pretty secretive about. I bet it's some sort of anti-piracy tool or something.

: Shortly after the search settings program fired up, I got a notification that my windows wasn't legit. I got rid of search settings and it didn't notify me again. Not that it really matters with Vista. With Windows Vista the only updates I need to download are for Windows Defender.

Petrie. · **Reply #24 on:** June 09, 2009, 07:31:26 PM

Very interesting indeed.

DarkHououmon · **Reply #25 on:** August 17, 2011, 02:13:26 PM

Has anyone heard about the new rogue antivirus called AVG Antivirus 2011? It eerily mimics AVG, but is really just a mere clone of another rogue antivirus.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFCAY1zGVcg

So those of you who use AVG or are looking into trying it out, be careful that you're downloading a legit copy. Going to the official site or buying a copy in the stores is the best way to ensure your copy is legit.

If you do happen to get infected with it, you'll know it's a rogue right away due to the automatic scanning without prompting. This is typical rogue behavior.

Petrie85 · **Reply #26 on:** August 17, 2011, 02:18:23 PM

Nope never heard of it but thanks for letting us know about it and what it does.

Justin1993 · **Reply #27 on:** August 17, 2011, 02:20:02 PM

Yes! Got the message from AVG. But I bought mine. I don't understand why people make viruses in the first place <_<

DarkHououmon · **Reply #28 on:** August 17, 2011, 02:29:38 PM

The purpose of rogues is to steal identity and credit card numbers, tricking people into buying their software to do it. There are still people who fall for it, but rogues typically have similar behaviors and are easily distinguishable from real antiviruses if you know the differences. Luckily rogues can be removed, either by antiviruses (if they're able to detect the rogue) or another security program (if installed). Removing it manually is possible if you know how to do it. If not, they can be wiped clean with a reformatting.