Scareware
Listen to this week's Tips & Tricks segment as broadcasted on JQ99.
Scareware, a type of malware, shows up on your computer as a pop-up warning that your computer has been infected. It will instruct you to "scan" your computer and then directs you to their website to buy software to remove the infections. This unethical technique basically bullies you into buying their software. Usually there is no virus on your computer, but these pop-ups continue to warn you of such. These warning messages often look "official".
What do I do?
Normally it will ask if you would like to perform a scan of your computer. Do not click the "yes" button. In fact, do not click the "no" or "cancel" button. These often are programmed to install more adware or spyware on your computer. While it is best to click the red X to close the window, it is even better to look for that pop-ups window in your taskbar (the bar at the bottom of your screen) and right-mouse click and select close.
If you have been infected, there are applications like Spybot Search & Destroy that can help remove the infection. When the adware is deeply entrenched in your computer or you just don't want to try to remove it yourself, you can call Computer House Calls to assist you.
Proactively, a software application to help prevent adware and spyware is Spyware Blaster. The best advice is to be cautious and not to quickly click on any warnings that pop-up.
