MTM What is a fake antivirus? Detailed overview and methods of combating threats in Australia

27/09/2024

Fake antivirus - serious threat to your safety in Australia

More and more users understand how important it is to organize powerful, effective, and reliable protection against cyber threats. This applies to viruses, Trojans, and many types of malware. Therefore, they try to use reliable and proven software, update it regularly, and conduct periodic scanning.

Unfortunately, not everyone realizes the importance of installing proven and genuine security software. As a result, many people end up with fake antivirus software on their devices. Today, this is a fairly common problem that must be discussed.

The specialists of the Keyonline24 online store have prepared a particular review for you. To begin with, our experts will answer the most crucial question - what is a fake antivirus? You will also learn how such programs end up on our computers, how to get rid of them, and whether it is possible to prevent infection. After that, you can order genuine activation keys from us at the lowest prices and install powerful, impenetrable antivirus protection.

The concept of a fake antivirus in Australia and New Zealand

What is a fake antivirus? Undoubtedly, many of you have received frightening warnings on the screen that your device is infected on the Internet. This really looks alarming since many are afraid of the penetration of dangerous software.

You can guess logically: what is fake antivirus? And you will understand its essence. Such solutions have different names. For example, fake programs, fraudulent antiviruses, and so on. The essence is the same. It is special malware that is created to imitate genuine security tools. Users run a simulated scan when installing it, and fake warnings appear on the screen. Allegedly, the scanner detects threats.

It is the main goal of a fake antivirus message - to scare users and force them to pay for a subscription to start removing malware immediately. After all, the warning is always followed by an offer to remove the danger for money. But here, a serious problem appears. Users pay for fake antivirus software, which is why they just lose money. The second problem is that such applications usually contain really malicious codes. You can get infected with spyware, trojans, viruses, worms, etc. Predicting the consequences of their penetration into a PC or mobile gadget is difficult. But you should hardly expect anything good.

It is vital to consider another important point—false positive antivirus. Some security solutions from reliable providers can actually have false positives. This usually happens when suspicious files or part of their code are detected. In this case, antivirus false positives do not pose a danger. However, most often, imitation of security software is based on false positives.

How fake security software gets onto a computer

Now you know about fake security programs and their danger. We also figured out what false positive antivirus is. The next step is to understand how such programs, which do not actually fight malware but distribute it, end up on our devices.

Unfortunately, in 99% of cases, the reason is the user themselves. Fraudsters psychologically influence their victims, forcing them to make quick decisions, make payments, and connect scanning and deletion services due to the threat of losing all data.

If we talk about a fake antivirus example, then the penetration scheme usually looks like this:

  • the user opens a link or visits a site that contains pseudo antivirus software;
  • notifications about infection and the need for urgent scanning due to an increased security threat immediately begin to appear on the screen;
  • then information with payment details appears to order the full version of the solution and delete all viruses;
  • the user transfers money to fraudsters and simultaneously infects devices with dangerous codes.

It is almost impossible to enumerate the full list of fake antiviruses. Cybercriminals often disguise their dangerous software products as genuine programs of famous brands. For example, the interface may resemble the powerful Norton Antivirus, look like Avast Antivirus solutions, etc.

That is why we strongly recommend downloading Kaspersky Antivirus or various editions of AVG Antivirus and other cybersecurity solutions only through official links and ordering guaranteed genuine activation keys via the time-tested online stores. For instance on the Keyonline24 website, you can easily find the best offers at the most favorable prices. We guarantee protection from fake antivirus companies and the authenticity of every activation key.

How to detect a fake antivirus in Australia and APAC?

Now that you know about antivirus fake and the features of their distribution, it is necessary to talk about the methods of detecting such cyber threats. In fact, such threats manifest themselves in approximately the same way. There are several characteristic signs.

  • Unknown brands. When a threatening notification appears on the screen, consider whether it resembles the work of a real security application you have installed. If not, then this is an obvious sign. Most often, fake antivirus notifications come from applications that you have never had on your device and you’ve never heard of;
  • Frequent notifications. It is essential to understand that false positive Avast antivirus notifications can appear periodically due to the detection of suspicious files. But if this happens regularly and each new warning looks scarier than the previous one, the conclusion is obvious. Fraudsters are trying to deceive you. And you should not fall for their tricks and follow the proposed instructions;
  • Suspicious links. You should be wary when various notifications, links, and attachments pop up on the screen. Some users want to intuitively click somewhere to eliminate the threat and prevent its spread quickly. But the best solution in such a situation is to close the page and run a standard installed antivirus;
  • Payment requests. Another obvious sign after scary notifications is the payment details for the full version of a supposedly super-effective application. In fact, scammers are trying to take advantage of the client's emotions to get their money and infect the devices with real viruses. Therefore, never pay for anything unknown and suspicious or disclose your own details;
  • Reduced performance. A famous trick of scammers is when they create the effect of slowing down the PC. Due to fake viruses, a unique animation may appear on the screen to make you think that the computer is frozen or working very slowly;
  • Changes in the browser. Carefully check the settings of your browsers. If you see that the home page has changed or recently installed extensions have appeared, this is cyber scammers' work.

Study this list of suspicious signals and react to the situation wisely. It is worth remembering that a one-time antivirus false positive does not mean that you have a fake program. Rather, genuine antivirus software has detected suspicious files and codes. But when you observe the signs presented above, be careful and do not fall for cybercriminals' tricks.

What is needed to get rid of fake software

Once you know about examples of fake antivirus software and how they manifest their activity on computers and mobile devices, it's time to discuss methods of combating and protecting against them.

The main task in case of downloading and infection is to remove fake antivirus. To do this, you can run genuine software, which must be present on the computers of all modern users. If it was not there for some reason, try to install at least the free version. The Keyonline24 website presents many security solutions, offering a free trial period with a wide range of functions and capabilities.

The problem is that due to infection, in many cases, viruses and malware will block attempts to download and activate cyber security solutions. Therefore, some users will have to act with more radical methods:

  • Format the hard drive;
  • Reinstall the operating system;
  • Restore the system using backup.

It is further proof that backup is an essential and necessary step for the operation of all devices. Use robust copying programs and save copies of the system in case of emergencies and the need for recovery.

Measures to protect against fake antivirus programs in Australia

It is impossible for an ordinary user to fight against fake antivirus companies. No one has enough resources for this. Therefore, your task is to ensure your own security.

To avoid having to remove fake antivirus software, do backups, and risk losing money and data, it is better to try to prevent such situations. Just follow a few simple but effective rules.

  • Pop-up windows. One of the most common ways of infection is pop-up windows on suspicious sites. Fraudsters take advantage of inattention and create an imitation of the "Close" button on such windows. As a result, when you click, you still download fake applications or open access for malware to your devices. Therefore, the best solution is to close the site and install an ad blocker;
  • Firewall. Nowadays many operating systems use built-in and robust intelligent firewalls. To increase the level of security, activate this assistant and try to turn it on whenever you are online;
  • Suspicious emails. Try not to open messages from suspicious and unknown senders. Attachments are considered especially dangerous. A virus can instantly penetrate the system even if you accidentally click on a picture from such a letter. Such emails are 75% of all cyber attacks. Therefore, you should not take risks;
  • Network and device security. One of the ways cyber threats penetrate is through poorly protected home networks. Therefore, be sure to change the standard password for your router and set a complex access code for the wireless network. Also, do not connect to unprotected public networks without extra protection or a powerful VPN;
  • Software and OS updates. Fake positive notifications can appear due to a security hole in your operating system or installed programs and applications. Therefore, always try to update them promptly and keep them up to date.

The most important thing is your maximum protection.

The role of genuine security software in Australia

To avoid being afraid of virus infections and cyber attacks, you need to install reliable software. This will provide you with a robust security shield that can recognize a threat in time, automatically neutralize it, and notify you of the danger in time.

Your task is to install proven solutions with high effectiveness. On the Keyonline24 website, you will find a comprehensive list of the best offers from top developers. We work with only genuine security keys and modern solutions. You can download the application via Google Play and get one of the powerful Android Antiviruses. You can also use our direct links after paying for the order. You will receive a key file and step-by-step instructions, and you can always contact our tech support service.

Your safety is in your hands! And the Keyonline24 team is always ready to help and provide access to the best cybersecurity solutions at the lowest prices.