Beware of false security alerts from fake antivirus software utilities

Fake or bogus antivirus utilities are becoming a major nuisance in the online world as scammers spread false security alerts to entice people to get an activation code or upgrade their antivirus tools.

What is a bogus virus alert?

Bogus virus alerts often contain links to websites which, at first glance, may appear to confirm the authenticity of the message and provide antivirus utilities.

But you should never depend on this type of alert for protection and always avoid forwarding such messages to others unless you can confirm that the threat they describe is real.

How to remove fake virus alerts

Well-known examples of bogus security alerts lead internet users to fake protection sites. As with any virus, users must remove viruses of this nature, clean their system and install the best internet security software available.

Protecting yourself from real viruses as well as ‘fake’ virus threats involves a few simple but critical measures:

1. Carefully consider which attachments to open and which files to download. If you can't be reasonably sure they are safe, do not open or download them.
2. Maintain up-to-date antivirus software on your computer.
3. When surfing the internet, always be careful about which links you choose to click, especially in messages from anonymous or unfamiliar sources. Clicking on these links can instantly download malicious software onto your computer. If you can't be sure a link is safe, don't click on it. For ultimate protection, you may want to consider Internet Security software.

What is a ‘Security Tool’ and how do I get rid of it?

The Security Tool virus is a specific malware virus that causes infected computers to show bogus alerts and system scans to market a fake antivirus protection software.

To remove this or any other virus, use a virus removal tool before installing reliable internet security software to keep your computer system safe.