Troubleshoot: Remove Fake ANTIVIRUS

Hello, this is a short tutorial on how to remove those annoying fake AntiVirus.

What is a Fake AntiVirus?

•  Fake antivirus software is one of the most persistent threats on the Internet today. It masquerades as legitimate software, but is actually a malicious program that extorts money from you to “fix” your computer. And often, this new “antivirus” program disables your legitimate security software that you already have, making it challenging to remove.

How to recognize a Fake AntiVirus?

• A professional-looking graphical user interface (GUI) that resembles a legitimate antivirus application. Once fake AV is running on a user’s computer system, it launches the GUI and displays a fake scanning activity for the computer
• After the fake scan is complete, the software typically reveals that the system is infected with malicious software
• The fake AV then asks for payment in order to “clean” the system. Once an unsuspecting user enters their credit card information, they immediately become a candidate for identity theft

Short background of... What is a Virus:

How does a computer get infected with a virus?

• Accepting without reading

By far one of the most common ways a computer becomes infected is when a user accepts what they see on the screen without reading the prompt before proceeding. For instance:

1. While browsing the Internet, an Internet advertisement or window appears that says your computer is infected or that a unique plug-in is required. Without fully understanding what it is you're getting, you accept the prompt.
2. When installing or updating a program, you're prompted (often check boxes already checked) if it's okay to install additional programs that you may not want or are designed to monitor your usage of the program.

• Downloading any infected software

  When downloading any software (programs, utilities, games, updates, demos, etc.) via the Internet, make sure you're downloading the from a reliable source. Be sure to run your downloads through your antivirus and spyware scanners upon completion. As we stated in a previous section, during the installation process, read all prompts about what the program is putting on your computer.

• Opening e-mail attachments

  Computers can become infected when users open e-mail attachments that contain malicious code. Even if the message is from a co-worker, friend, or family member, always use caution before opening a link or downloading an attachment. As a general rule, do not open e-mail you were not expecting to receive.

• Inserting or connecting an infected disk, disc, or drive

  Any disk, disc, or thumb drive connected or inserted into your computer can be infected with a virus. As long as something is writable a virus can move from a computer to that disk, disc, or drive. A common tactic for malicious hackers to gain access to a network is to leave a thumb drive laying around and when puts drive into their computer it is infected with a virus or trojan horse.
  Note: This same rule applies to any networked drive or computer. If another computer has write access to your computer or a drive accessible by your computer a virus can move between computers on a network.

• Not running the latest updates

  Many of the updates, especially those associated with Microsoft Windows, are security oriented. Always keep your operating system and programs up to date. The plug-ins associated with your browser can also contain security vulnerabilities. To make sure you have the latest versions, run the Computer Hope tool for checking installed plug-ins and their versions.

• Pirating software, music, or movies

  If you or someone on your computer is participating in a bit torrent program or some other unlawful exchange of copyrighted music, movies, or software, you may be at risk. Sometimes these files and programs contain viruses, spyware or malicious software in addition to what you believe you are downloading.

• No antivirus spyware scanner

  If you're running a computer with Microsoft Windows, we highly recommended you have some form of antivirus and spyware protection. This software removes existing (if any) viruses and helps prevent future infections.