09
Jan, 2019

avoid scarewareWhile the internet offers a wide range of benefits, it also has a whole host of dangerous viruses and spyware that will try and work their way onto your devices.

What is scareware?

It is a form of the virus that uses fear tactics to trick internet users into installing or/and buying unwanted and potentially dangerous software.  It can invade your device and disrupts the normal functioning of your computer. Any type of software that causes a web user to panic in one way or the other, is likely to be a “scareware”. Therefore, its important to avoid scareware and protect your data.

How to spot scareware?

Also known as fake antivirus software or fraudware, it generates convincing pop-outs that imitate windows system messages. Some notifications also come disguised as alerts for firewalls or registry cleaners. It can be extremely annoying, with alert messages or pop-ups appearing all over the screen. The formats of scareware include adware, spyware, Trojans, viruses, and malware. The scareware software can be well-hidden on your computer, you might not be able to easily find it.

How scareware can attack a web user?

It generally attacks web users in any combination of the below-listed ways:

“ZOMBIE” Your Computer

Sound strange right? It can take remote control of your device and serve as a spam-sending zombie robot.

Steal Your Credit Card Details

Scareware can deceive a web user into making a payment for a “fake” antivirus software program.

Identity Theft

It may also secretly attacks your device and record all your personal information.

Tips To Protect Yourself from Scareware

Do you have scareware? Whether you think you have in your device or you are worried that you might get one, scroll down to check out a few helpful tips, shared in this blog:

Update Your Browser

No matter which browser you are using currently, it’s important to make sure that you use the latest version and always install security updates.

Surf With Care

Today, the internet has become the answer to all our questions. However, when using the internet, be careful about the types of sites you visit and files you download. Never share your personal information or credit card details on an unknown website.

Think Before You Click

Never click on or open a strange link or warning message that pops out on the screen. Beware, you will never get a mysterious warning message from the browser. So, if one pops out on your screen, close the window and restart your device.

Install Best Antivirus Software

To best protect yourself from scareware, make sure you are using the best antivirus software and keep it updated. Antivirus software installed on your device helps alert you to any kind of suspicious activity going on and prevent you from downloading a dangerous software.

Following the above-laid security tips, you can avoid scareware threats considerably and protect your data.

The Author

Smriti Singh

Smriti Singh is a versatile writer for last 1.5 years who holds a master degree in Mass Communication and Journalism. As an avid researcher, she publishes interesting and unique write ups about cyber security. You can reach out her at smriti@revesoft.com.
Smriti Singh
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