Protecting Your Computer Into the New Year? AntiVirus 2010 May Not Be Best Choice

Have you noticed that your computer has been running more slowly than usual? This, coupled with an increase in pop-up ads, can indicate that you are a rogue antivirus program in your computer. AntiVirus 2010 is one such rogue program that seeks to persuade users of nonexistent security problems so they will purchase the equally nonexistent protection software.

AntiVirus 2010: An Updated Rogue Antivirus Program

AntiVirus 2010 behaves very much like other rogue antivirus programs and uses liberal pop-up ads and false scan results to convince you that you need to buy the software. Like its predecessors, AntiVirus 2008 and AntiVirus 2009, it launches itself automatically and feigns a scan. It is important to note that this program cannot really scan your computer. The list of infections is therefore not accurate. In fact, it is probable that you have no security threats in your system – except for AntiVirus 2010. This particular rogue antivirus program employs one tactic that many others do not, and this may make it more effective at creating the impression of security threats. It can simulate a Blue Screen of Death, or crash screen. A real BSOD is serious, but remember that this is a simulation only.

Many of these kinds of software programs can use frightening tactics like that to convince you that you must purchase the program for the health of your system, and it’s rather unfortunate. These kinds of methods can scare novice computer users, and that can make the overall experience difficult. After all, it’s rare that we just use our computers for entertainment these days. For many, the computer holds essential business and personal files, and when rogue security programs like this one suggest losing everything is possible, panic ensues. That’s why these programs can make their creators so much money. Many simply give in, hoping to avoid future problems. Luckily, though, once you know one, you know the tactics of the others, and you can better combat them without risking the health of your machine.

Signs AntiVirus 2010 Is Installed In Your System

The aspect of AntiVirus 2010 that separates it from many other rogue antivirus programs is the simulated Blue Screen. You will see the following message when this occurs:

“***STOP: 0×000000D1 (0×0000000, 0xF73120AE, 0xC0000008, 0xC000000)
A spyware application has been detected and Windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer
SPYWARE.MONSTER.FX_WILD_0×0000000
If this is the first time you’ve seen this Stop error screen, restart you computer. If this screen appears again, follow these steps:
Click to make sure your antivirus software is properly installed. If this is a new installation, ask you software manufacturer for any antivirus updates you might need.
Windows detected unregistered version of Antivirus 2010 protection on your computer. If problem continue, please activate your antivirus software to prevent computer damage and data loss.

Your computer has not crashed; this is a false BSOD and can be deactivated by rebooting your computer or pressing ALT, CTRL, and DELETE. This tactic is accompanied by the usual pop-ups and browser changes. The warning alerts and false scan messages attempt to direct you to the AntiVirus 2010 website, where you are urged to buy the software. When pop-ups appear on your screen, be careful to read them thoroughly. If the warning messages do not come from your security program and if they advise you to purchase software, they are false and should be closed with your task manager.

The pop ups can take a number of different forms. Many of them may look like more traditional online pop ups and appear as an advertisement in the middle of your screen. Some, though, take a slightly more official appearance. They can look like actual messages from your computer. They might even look like the Windows Notification Balloons that appear in your system tray (that area next to the current time on your computer). Despite their official or unofficial appearance, though, each leads you to the same end result – you’ll be asked to buy the whole version of the program via a website.

You may also notice that there are unfamiliar shortcuts on your desktop or icons on your system tray. These are also designed to bring you to the AntiVirus 2010 website. Avoid clicking on these. You might even be redirected during any given internet browsing session to the home page for the program. While it’s a bit frustrating, your best course of action when that occurs is to simply shut down the browser and start over.

How Does AntiVirus 2010 Become Installed?

AntiVirus 2010 most commonly enters your computer system via a Trojan, such as Vundo or Zlob. It is possible to encounter a Trojan at a variety of sites, but the following are generally the most vulnerable: gaming, gambling, warez, adult, social networking, and sites offering freeware and shareware. Usually, clicking on an ad or downloading an image or video causes the Trojan to enter to your system, but even visiting affected sites can be enough to allow it access.

Rogue antivirus programs can also be installed directly by the user. It is a perfectly natural response to try to protect your computer, and AntiVirus 2010 and its relatives are designed to create a sense of urgency. Some people want to act quickly, but in doing so, end up purchasing a program that doesn’t protect them.

The effects on your computer are the same, whether AntiVirus 2010 was downloaded directly or indirectly. It can still cause instability in your system by allowing other forms of malware to enter. To keep your computer running smoothly, remove AntiVirus 2010 as soon as you realize it has been installed.

Many think their current antivirus program will protect them from rogue security software like this. That, however, is not the case as this is not a virus. As a result, your only real recourse with this program and the others like it is continual vigilance.