Not all security alerts you receive mean that your computer is infected. Many malware or anti-virus software are downloaded to mislead you. Identifying these false alerts can help you avoid installing unwanted programs or infecting your device. This time we list 12 tips for identifying the real and the fake to help you spot them.
12 tips to spot fake virus infections, security warnings
1. Fear and Emergency Strategies
Fake virus alerts often use alert text that creates a sense of fear and oppression, claiming that your device is seriously infected and requiring immediate action, such as “Take action within X minutes to prevent damage,” in order to prompt you to react without questioning the authenticity.
On the other hand, legitimate security alerts explain threat detection and force you to make quick decisions. If the alert you see feels too urgent, it’s probably fake and you can take extra steps to confirm its authenticity, like running a malicious virus scan with Windows Security or other antivirus software.
2. No easy way to close pop-ups
A telltale sign of a false alarm is that it doesn’t allow you to shut down properly. Often you won’t find the “X” button, or the alert window won’t close after clicking it, but will redirect you somewhere else. In contrast, real blasts from reputable security software can be turned off like any other notification.
If you find yourself in this situation, close your browser, disconnect from the Internet, and restart it; when you reopen your browser, avoid restoring previous tabs.
3. An unexpected pop-up window appears while browsing the web.
Most false security alerts appear unexpectedly while you are browsing. You can click on a link that triggers a pop-up window or visit a malicious page that displays an alert. In contrast, legitimate security software notifications will appear in the operating system’s notification area rather than random pop-ups. Therefore, if a suspicious pop-up suddenly appears after a routine operation, it is most likely fake and you should close the browser tab immediately. Also, make sure to block pop-ups in your browser.
4. Fake system scan
Legitimate security software will only scan your system if it is installed on your device and has the necessary permissions, and they usually do so at scheduled intervals. When it detects a problem, it provides specific details about the infection and offers the option to delete it. In contrast, false alerts often simulate “system scans” and display inflated infection counts. If you receive an alert claiming that uninstalled software on your device is infected, especially if it includes a phrase like “32 threats detected,” the alert is likely fake.
5. Application icon missing from taskbar
When legitimate security software warns you of a potential infection, it usually displays an application icon in the taskbar, system tray, or notification area. Additionally, the application may open automatically to remind you to take action. In contrast, false alerts usually appear randomly, without any icon in the taskbar or notification area. If an alert appears without an associated app icon, or you can’t find running security software, it might be fake. To verify, open your antivirus app to see if it reports any infections.
6. Contact information in alerts
Authentic antivirus alerts from legitimate software will never include a phone number or support contact information in the alert itself. If the alert provides a number or link to call, this is a classic sign of a scam. Scammers often use this tactic to push victims to seek “support” and offer expensive fake services or other programs. ’
If you find a phone number, email, or any contact information in an alert, do not use it and compare it to the official contact information on the security software website to verify it.
7. Too many warnings can get you into trouble
If you see a large number of security alerts popping up frequently, that means there are false alerts. Sometimes these alerts pop up in quick succession in an annoying manner, compared to legitimate security software that only displays occasional relevant warnings when it detects malware on your system.
If you encounter a large number of alerts, disconnect your computer from the Internet and check to see if the alerts continue. If they stop, they may be false.
8. Request to install unfamiliar software
Some legitimate software works with little-known but real security providers and sends you alerts about potential infections, often encouraging you to download their protection software. While these warnings may not be outright scams, warnings about infection may be a ploy to convince you to install the software. Typically, these warnings include a “Fix Now” button that directs you to a website where you can download the software. If you find yourself in this situation, the warning may not be genuine.
9. Inconsistent branding and awkward wording
False virus warnings often contain branding inconsistencies, such as logo fonts, colors, and overall design that don’t match those of reputable security software brands. The language used in these alerts is also poor, with spelling and grammatical errors, suggesting they have been hastily created. If you’re not sure, compare the brands in the warnings with legitimate brands in the security software. If any element looks wrong, you should avoid it.
10. Redirects to fake websites
Another common sign of a fake pop-up is if you click anywhere on the alert (not just the button), it will redirect you to a suspicious or malicious website. A real warning, on the other hand, will usually launch your security software directly, allowing you to view detailed information about the threat and instructions for removing the infection. If the entire alert contains links that direct you to suspicious websites, close your browser immediately to prevent damage to your device.
11. Unrealistic claims or offers that are too good to be true
Fake viruses or security alerts often make exaggerated claims, such as promising to eliminate all malware with a single click or provide comprehensive protection against every possible threat. These claims are often accompanied by incredible software or service offers, such as lifetime licenses of advanced antivirus programs, for a fraction of the usual price. If you come across claims of over-the-top benefits like these, take them with a grain of salt and contact software or service support directly from a reputable source to verify your suspicions.
12. Request payment or provide personal information
If a security warning asks you to provide personal information that you shouldn’t share online, such as your credit card details, ID number, or home address, you shouldn’t trust it. Likewise, if a warning asks you to pay a small amount to eliminate an infection, there’s a good chance it’s fake. Legitimate software often allows you to eliminate threats through free scanning, and only prompts you to pay for a premium version for additional protection.
If you are accidentally exposed to one of these false alerts, please take the following steps. First, disconnect your device from the network and perform a security scan using Windows Defender or any third-party security software you have. If you encounter an alert while browsing the web, consider reinstalling your browser to ensure it is not compromised.
Source: KOCPC Chinese