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The FBI Warns Of Pop-Up Security Threats
Mike Sachoff
Staff Writer
2009-12-14
 Insider Reports RSS Feed
The FBI is warning people about an ongoing threat involving pop-up security messages that appear while they are on the Internet.
 | | The FBI Warns Of Pop-Up Security Threats |  |
The messages may contain a virus that could harm users computers, cause costly repairs, or lead to identity theft. The messages contain scareware, fake or rogue anti-virus software that looks authentic.
The message may display what appears to be a real-time, anti-virus scan of a users hard drive. The scareware will show a list of reputable software icons; however, users can't click a link to go to the real site to review or see recommendations.
Once the pop-up appears, it can't be easily closed by clicking the "close" or "X" buttons. By clicking the pop-up to purchase the software, a form to collect payment information for the bogus product launches. In some cases, the scareware can install malicious code on a computer, even if users don't click on the pop-up. This is more likely if the computer has an account that has rights to install software.
Downloading the software could result in viruses, malicious software called Trojans, and/or keyloggers-hardware that records passwords and sensitive data-being installed on your computer. Malicious software can cause costly damages for individual users and financial institutions. The FBI estimates scareware has cost victims more than $150 million.
The FBI recommends the following if users encounter pop-up security warnings. "You should research the exact name of the software being offered. Take precautions to ensure operating systems are updated and security software is current. If you receive these anti-virus pop-ups, close the browser or shut down your computer system. You should run a full anti-virus scan whenever the computer is turned back on."
About the Author:
Mike is a staff writer for WebProNews. Visit WebProNews for the latest ebusiness news.
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