Spyware Protect 2009: New and Not-So-Improved

Pop-ups are not a sight that we have to see much as we browse online thanks to filters. So what might cause a flood of these ads? Why do we have a lot of security warnings all of a sudden? If you notice these two signs, and some others, there is a good chance that a rogue antivirus program, such as Spyware Protect 2009, has been installed in your computer. What does this mean and what can you do?

What is Spyware Protect 2009?

Spyware Protect 2009 is one of the many rogue antivirus programs that litter the online world. Every single computer user needs protection against some very real threats, and this is what makes rogue software like Spyware Protect 2009 so persuasive. It offers to provide a needed service, and part of its approach is to convince computer users that they have security threats. How does Spyware Protect 2009 do this? In much the same way as other rogue antivirus programs. When your computer starts, Spyware Protect 2009 launches its false scan and produces a list of malware files it has detected. It then offers to remove these threats if you buy the full version of its software. This “trial version” that has supposedly scanned your computer? An elaborate ad designed to perpetuate the idea that you have severe risks in your system. The malware files? A creation of Spyware Protect 2009, which poses no threat to your computer. In fact, the only real security issue is the presence of this rogue antivirus program.

Is Spyware Protect 2009 in My System?

If a rogue antivirus program such as Spyware Protect 2009 has entered your system, you may not immediately realize it. Spyware Protect 2009 goes into a deliberate dormancy stage at first; this allows it to evade detection by antivirus programs so it can quietly adjust your security and browser settings. Once it does that, the program launches each time you start your computer, and you start receiving the pop-up warning messages. These can appear in a number of places: you may notice new icons on your taskbar, near your clock, or shortcuts on your desktop. If these are clicked on, messages like following appear:

Windows Security alert

Windows reports that computer is infected. Antivirus software helps to protect your computer against viruses and other security threats. Click here for the scan your computer. Your system might be at risk now.

You are then urged to purchase Spyware Protect 2009 and may be directed to one of its websites. You may also have the false scan result window pop up as you work, whether you are online or not. These results, however false, very much resemble those of legitimate antivirus programs. Spyware Protect 2009 is written at the top of the alert, followed by the assurance, “Protecting every second.” A blue shield with a white stripe serves as the logo. The false results make it appear that Spyware Protect 2009 has searched thousands of files and has found dozens of malware threats. It will list these files, the level of severity, and a brief description. For instance, it may claim to find the file Bancos DMD, a critical threat, that is a keylogging program that steals passwords. When computer users are confronted with this message, it is understandable that they want to remove anything that will compromise their personal or financial data. But Bancos DMD does not exist, nor does the protection of Spyware Protect 2009.

Besides pop-ups and warning messages, you may experience a hijacked homepage or browser settings. When you attempt to visit your homepage, Spyware Protect 2009 redirects you to one of its websites. Here you will be urged to purchase the program. The same may happen when conducting searches or attempting to navigate to any website. This can severely limit your ability to use the internet.

Another very serious issue associated with Spyware Protect 2009 is slowed computer functioning. You may notice that your computer takes much longer to boot up, open programs, load websites, or switch between windows. Why does this happen? When Spyware Protect 2009 is installed, it diverts valuable system resources from legitimate programs in order to run itself. Your other programs have to manage on the leftovers.

How Did Spyware Protect 2009 Enter My System?

There are two main avenues that Spyware Protect 2009 can use to gain access to your system. The first is through user installation. When confronted with warnings that there are keylogging programs that steal passwords or other trojans in their computers, many people want to rectify this as soon as possible. They purchase Spyware Protect 2009, believing it will help keep their data and computers secure. Unfortunately, this is not effective.

The other method doesn’t require user consent or even knowledge. Malware, including Spyware Protect 2009, is carried into systems through trojans. Trojans tend to lurk in certain websites, such as those with gaming, warez, or adult websites, file sharing applications, free videos, and spam emails. We may pick these trojans up by visiting these sites, downloading affected videos, clicking on affected ads, etc. Recently, the Conflicker worm has been associated with Spyware Protect 2009. This worm has potentially harmful applications, so it is important to keep your antivirus programs (the reputable ones) up-to-date and apply Microsoft’s updated security patch.

Whenever you notice signs of Spyware Protect 2009 or another rogue antivirus program, it is important to take steps to remove it from your system.