Ever received sudden pop-up notifications or loud beeping alerts claiming your PC is infected by a multitude of viruses? The notifications are generally followed by a number to call or a link to download software to get rid of the issue. This is nothing but a deceptive tactic known as “scareware”.
Scareware has similar goals as other cyberattacks like phishing and ransomware. You’ve probably come across it while browsing the internet, clicking on an app, or trying to download a browser extension.
So what damage can scareware do to your device? And what can you do if you see such a message?
What Type of Damage Does Scareware Cause?
Along with duping you into buying dubious software, scareware comes with a bag full of other damages as well.
Panic and Loss of Finances
The high-pitched beeping alerts and voice notifications create hysteria causing users to rush into buying fake software. You can be asked to shell out anything from a few dollars to hundreds and most anxious users simply comply in the spur of the moment.
Installation of Malicious Software
Some scareware might ask users to download fake software, while others will automatically download without a user’s permission. This rogue software can spread malware to infect your system, disable your programs, and give cybercriminals access to your personal information like bank accounts and credit card numbers.
Getting Spied On
Some scareware might convince you to install rogue anti-virus software. But this will not protect you against real viruses. In fact, hackers use it to spy on your offline activities, gain access to your sensitive info, and track your surfing habits.
Device Dominance
Scareware could disable your existing antivirus software and install malware to get hold of your personal data and potentially steal your financial information. By collecting your data, your clicks, and logins, the scareware can take full control of your device.
Different Types of Scareware
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In March of 2019, a $35 million settlement happened between Office Depot, its tech vendor Support.com and the FTC based on allegations that free software known as “PC Health Check Program” was downloaded into the customer’s computers. This software also used scareware tactics to sell diagnostic and repair services to customers.
Let us now look into the different ways scareware can present itself:
Luring Emails
Email spoofing can be used to send “urgent” email messages requesting immediate action. Innocent users are lured into downloading a link to rogue software in order to prevent a “potential” threat. They might also be asked to share their access information to allow fake tech support to remediate the issue.
Website Popups
This form of scareware mostly resides on third-party platforms or websites and can initiate when a user visits those websites. It makes an appearance in the form of a pop-up or an ad asking the user to install software on their device.
The links to download software are mostly Trojan horses and laced with malware. The pop-up could present itself as a tiny dormant banner or be so large that it takes up the entire screen, preventing users from accessing the website’s contents.
Tech Support Calls
This type of Scareware falls into a grey area as deceptive software is not involved. However, it does rely on fear-mongering tactics of calling the targets and posing as tech support or law enforcement agents informing that suspicious activity has been traced back to their computer.
Once the target takes the bait, further convincing and pressure tactics are conducted forcing the victims into disclosing sensitive and personal information.
What to Do if You Are the Victim of a Scareware Attack
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Here is how you can protect yourself if you suddenly find yourself in the middle of a scareware attack:
Update All Your Browsers
Most users are too lazy to keep up with the updates and ignore this easy protection gear. By keeping your browsers updated, the chances of scareware infestations are reduced, and best of all, you can even schedule automated updates to ensure the security of your browsers.
Turn On the Pop-Up Blockers
This is a no-brainer but goes a long way in protecting you from Scareware. If there are no pop-ups, there will be no fake ads or security programs trying to scam you.
Resist the Urge to Click Links
Even after turning on pop-up blockers, if some do show up, resist the urge to click on any links or download buttons provided by them.
Encrypt Your Emails
Email encryption is the process of securing your emails by employing encryption algorithms. The good news is, by encrypting your emails or going with an encrypted email service provider, you can prevent scareware-related emails from ever landing in your mailbox!
Install Legitimate Anti-Virus Software
Installing an anti-virus is an act of trust as you are providing access to scan all your personal files and folders. Always invest in legitimate anti-virus software from reputable companies that you can recognize. Also, steer away from free anti-virus software as many free tools are fake.
If you’re in trouble, some trustworthy websites can scan and remove viruses.
Educate Yourself On the Warning Signs of Scareware
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Recognizing the warning signs of scareware is the first step in mitigating these attacks. The typical warning signs of scareware include the following.
Frightening Pop-Up Ads
The aim of Scareware is to frighten you into purchasing fake software. Therefore, most pop-ups will have dire warnings or frightening text informing that your computer will crash soon. The more threatful the message is, the more likely that it is scareware.
Annoying Pop-Ups
If a pop-up with a warning message is too hard to close or keeps bringing up more warnings when you hit the close button, it is most certainly a scareware. The best way to get rid of them is to reboot the computer.
Immediate Scanning of Your Computer
To sound more legit, scareware starts fake scanning your computer immediately. In the end, a “fake” list containing a ton of virus infections that were uncovered is displayed to the users.
Unknown Software Company
Another potential sign that you are dealing with scareware is if the name of the company is not recognizable. Some rogue yet known scareware software include Advanced Cleaner, System Defender, SpyWiper, and UltimateCleaner to name a few.
A Bit of Common Sense Goes a Long Way
It can be tempting to click on a pop-window, email link, or an ad banner if they are questioning the potential security of your device. However, it is best to use common sense and not fall prey to these types of Scareware.
A little bit of research on the different types of scareware and adware can also go a long way in protecting yourself. Just remember anything that seems way off or too good to be true, probably is not.