Tips to Prevent a Fake Anti-Virus (Scareware) Infection.

Fake anti-viruses that pop up during normal internet surfing are a big issue recently. They mimic very popular anti-virus programs such as AVG and now even Microsoft Security Essentials. Although they may look like the real thing, they most definitely are not. The rogue anti-virus programs will not only infect your computer slowing it down or rendering unusable but they will also ask for money to fix the problems that they caused. Paying them will not fix any issues.

When you see a pop up of a virus program DO NOT CLICK ON IT in any way. Do not even click on the "X" at the top of the window to close it. Hit ctrl+alt+delete and close the rogue program down that way or use ctrl+F4. Clicking on it in any way may cause it to infect your machine even more.

These rogue anti-virus programs infect your computers through JavaScripts on common web pages. Even well known pages. Almost every webpage has some sort of JavaScript. This is what displays some buttons, pictures, animations, banners, ads, etc. There are programs and settings you can use to turn off the JavaScript from running automatically unless you give it permission.

We recommend using Firefox web browser instead of Internet Explorer. Be aware of pop ups and not clicking on them in any way. Use ctrl+alt+delete or ctrl+F4 to close the pop up or program.

Please read some of the links below to get a better understanding and more tips on preventing fake anti-viruses.

1. http://freeofvirus.blogspot.com/2009/10/how-to-prevent-fake-antivirus-and-fake.html

2. http://www.memphispcguy.com/computer/software/how-to-prevent-scareware-rogue- antivirus

3. http://tec-updates.blogspot.com/2008/09/prevent-from-rogue-fake-antivirus.html