Fake antivirus software pretends to find infections on a computer’s hard drive, but actually only contains the fake program itself. It breaks other virus protection and requires the user to purchase protection. Removal methods vary, but often require using a different computer to research and download software to eradicate the fake program. Searching for a registration key can also help remove the program. Fake antivirus protection can be downloaded unknowingly through email attachments or infected websites. If infected, immediately disconnect from the internet and use a different computer to find solutions.
Fake antivirus software is a form of malicious software that is configured to pretend to find all kinds of infections on a computer’s hard drive when in fact, the only malware present is the fake program itself. Programs of this type break other types of virus protection and actually make it impossible to use any function on the hard drive, unless the user purchases so-called protection. Fortunately, here are ways to remove the fake antivirus software without having to fall for this type of scam and protect your system from that same fake program in the future.
The exact approach used to remove rogue antivirus software varies depending on how the rogue antivirus software is configured. Because the program blocks the ability to access any antivirus or antispam programs that are already on your hard drive, the process often requires you to use a different computer to do a little research. Basing a web search on the name of the bogus software will often yield clues on how to deal with the problem. In some cases, operating system vendors will already be aware of the bogus software’s existence and will have released a fix, making the task much easier.
Based on what you find about fake antivirus protection, you may need to download some software that can eradicate the fake program from the infected system. Download from an unaffected laptop or desktop and save the files to a jump or thumb drive. Start the infected system in safe mode, then install the solution software and follow the instructions. This method will often remove fake antivirus software without causing damage to other files on the infected system.
Another tip that can sometimes be used to remove bogus antivirus software is to search online for a registration key. This is a key released after the hapless user purchases the fake program and is needed to remove locks to key functions on the infected hard drive. Past victims sometimes post those registration numbers on forums and message boards where these malicious programs are discussed. Essentially, you are using the number to trick the fake program into thinking you have purchased it. Once this is done, you can remove the fake antivirus software using other software applications designed to eliminate the program, including clearing the registry of any lingering traces of the fake software.
There are several ways to download this fake antivirus protection before you know what’s going on. It is often attached to executable files sent as attachments to emails or starts downloading in the background when a user visits a website that has been hacked and infected. If you suddenly see a pop-up screen warning that your system is infected, do not click to close that screen as this will only make the situation worse. Immediately cut off your internet connection, turn off the infected computer and use a different computer to find the solutions to remove the bogus antivirus software related to the particular malware which is now infecting your system.
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