What is Rogue Software?

Rogue security software is software that uses malware (malicious software) or malicious tools to advertise or install itself or to force computer users to pay for removal of nonexistent spyware. Rogue software will often install a Trojan horse to download a trial version, or it will do other unwanted things. It may also be installed via a "drive-by" (when you install one program - and the rogue software piggy-backs itself onto your system.) - a drive-by will download the trial version of rogue software without any end user interaction.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FBI WARNING ABOUT ROGUE SOFTWARE

The main goal of rogue software makers is to sell their product. Many times fake Windows dialog boxes will appear. Most of the time, they will display a message such as

 


"WARNING! Your computer is infected with spyware! Buy [product name] to remove it!"

Usually, when the dialog box's OK button is clicked, this will direct the user to the software's website. Sometimes, even clicking the upper right hand X button to close the dialog box will produce the same effect or activate the software's installation. (Pressing Alt+F4 can circumvent that trick).

A variant of the above technique that rogue security software makers use is that of false positives. A false positive is a fake or false malware detection in a computer scan. This can convince even advanced users that their computer is infected who may not be deceived by the above-mentioned similar claims without a scan. This is quite different from an accidental false positive, which can be produced in a scan by security software from honest companies.

To help protect yourself, we recommend you run you system as a "Standard" user instead of an "Administrator." For more information regarding Windows User Accounts: CLICK HERE.

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