Privacy Center: Is Your Privacy at Risk?

Two of the biggest concerns among computer owners are privacy and security. The two are very much related, and it is essential that we have solid programs that can provide us with the best and latest technology to keep our personal information and activities safe. This is especially important to those working, banking, or shopping online. Because of this great concern, various rogue programs have come into existence. They promise to provide needed security and resolve threats, but they do very little to protect your computer or data. Programs like Privacy Center seek to gain your trust and convince you to buy their ineffective software.

Features of Privacy Center

Privacy Center, a clone of Privacy Components, behaves much like other rogue antivirus programs and focuses on privacy. Again, since this is a huge concern for everyone, Privacy Center has an advantage in convincing computer owners that they need this protection. To further this goal, Privacy Center runs simulated scans and displays a list of infections present in your system. Two important things to be aware of: one, the “scan” is only a simulation, and two, the infections listed are either legitimate files or are files created by Privacy Center in order to create the appearance of multiple security threats. Privacy Center advertises itself as an all-in-one privacy program, offering the following:

* Cookie Guarder. This supposedly cleans cookies out of your system.
* System Monitor supposedly displays system information so you can monitor your information.
* Registry Doctor is a utility that claims to clean and fix problems in the Windows Registry.
* Memory Wizard claims to optimize memory, making your computer more efficient.
* Secure Channel. Supposedly, you are able to create a secure VPN, or virtual private network. VPNs increase security.
* Surf Protector claims it will keep your computer from displaying personal information on websites.

All of this in one package: this can be attractive for computer users. Whenever you start your computer, Privacy Center launches into its false scan. The only solution, the warnings insist, is to purchase the full version of Privacy Center. Again, though, these are false positives and Privacy Center is not able to scan computer or fix any problems within your system.

How Does Privacy Center Enter Your System?

Privacy Center does not need permission to enter your computer, but that is one of the main ways it gains access. People need privacy protection, and many opt to buy this program in order to protect their computers and data. Choosing to install Privacy Center, however, will not fix the constant pop-ups or warning messages. Because it is Privacy Center that is causing the pop-ups, this will continue. The only difference between the “trail version” that sends the ads and alerts and the paid version is the cost. There is no protection to be had from this program, despite its claims to the contrary.

As mentioned, you do not have to give Privacy Center consent in order for it to become installed in your system. As a form of malware, it is carried into your computer through trojans. Much like the Greeks hid in the Trojan horse, malware hides in the trojans. Privacy Center is most commonly carried in with the trojan Zlob or other fake video codecs. A video codec compresses and decompresses video files and is required when viewing media. Zlob disguises itself as a video codec and enters your system when you download free videos. Once there, it leaves Privacy Center to install itself. It is only when you begin to notice pop-ups or warning messages that you realize something is amiss in your computer.

What Will I Notice if Privacy Center is Installed in My System?

Knowing what to expect from Privacy Center is important because you want to remove this program as soon as you can. The signs that it has become installed are typical rogue antivirus programs, so knowing will help you detect Privacy Center and other rogue programs. You will notice the following:

Pop-ups and false scan results. This is the most noticeable sign at first. Privacy Center launches itself whenever your computer starts, so you will be greeted by these ads whether you are online or not. These warnings mimic those of legitimate programs, so people sometimes glance quickly and click OK or install the program. To avoid this, make sure you look at each pop-up with a critical eye. Privacy Center is written on the top left side of the window, with the slogan, “Simple one-click solution to protect your PC.” Following this are a list of security threats, including disabled privacy settings and tools. You will find messages similar to the following:

· License error!

The Center for License Control has detected outdated or unsupported software licenses. View the system reports now.

Open License Manager.

· Security threat!

The components providing security have reported a critically low level of system protection. Make sure all components are working correctly.

· Database update error!

The database is out of date. Some components are not working correctly. Your security is under threat. Update your software immediately.

Open Update Manager.

Privacy Center then offers the option “Fix All.” Do not opt for this, however, because it will direct you to a rogue website which urges you to buy Privacy Center. Also, do not click on the ad. Close using the Task Manager option.

Slow Computer Performance. While initially not as irritating as the pop-ups, soon you may notice that your computer is running more slowly than usual. Why? When rogue antivirus programs enter your system, they bury themselves in your registry and divert resources for their own use. They can take as much as eighty percent of your power for themselves. Your legitimate programs have to scramble to use the rest for themselves. You may notice that starting your computer, opening programs, or completing routine tasks take much longer. Your internet connection may be slower.

Hijacked Browser Settings and New Icons. Privacy Center can change the settings on your computer so when you attempt to reach your homepage or other destination, you will be rerouted to a rogue website. Likewise with the icons or desktop shortcuts that Privacy Center adds. The purpose is to urge you to purchase the full version of this software.

Privacy Center can limit the ability to navigate online. In addition, it may also exploit weaknesses in your system and allow in other trojans. To avoid this and keep your computer running safely, it is best to remove Privacy Center as soon as possible.