Scareware — a sneaky technique used by hackers to steal personal information and spread viruses online — is on the rise. Most recently, companies like Google, Twitter and the New York Times were exploited by hackers as part of a massive scareware attack on consumers.
In mid-September, visitors to the New York Time’s Web site suddenly received a pop-up window — it looked like a message from their own computer — warning their computer had been infected with a virus. The user was told to visit a Web site to purchase and download anti-virus software. The software actually installed even more viruses and malware onto the computer and the user’s credit card number was now in the hands of hackers.
The same scenario plays out all over the Internet. According to Computer World Magazine, hackers also “poison Google search results.” They monitor news and hot topics — such as the death of Patrick Swayze and the U.S. Open — and through search engine optimization techniques ensure that their Web sites are the top results. Victims who click on the fake search results receive a scareware pop up.
The BBB offers the following steps to protect your computer from scareware attacks:
Never let your guard down. Scareware attacks can happen on news sites, Google and even Twitter.
Protect your computer. Install updates to your operating system and purchase well-known anti-virus software and keep it updated. Install all security patches and updates for your Web browser and programs like Adobe Flash Player.
Take immediate action during an attack. If you receive a scareware pop-up window, experts recommend forcing the window to close through your task manager. To do this on a PC, hold down ctrl, alt and delete at the same time, open your task manager, find the browser in the list of running programs and click “end task.” Finally, run an antivirus scan with legitimate, trusted software.
If you clicked on the pop up and actually purchased the software, the prognosis is not good. The Washington Post offers advice on its
Security Fix blog, but for the not-so-computer-savvy, you might need to call in a professional.
Start With Trust. For more advice on fighting off hackers and staying safe online, visit
wynco.bbb.org or call 970-484-1348 or 800-564-0371.
About the BBB
The Better Business Bureau, founded in 1912, is a champion for ethics and trust in the marketplace. Only businesses that meet the high BBB standards are invited to become BBB Accredited Businesses. Today, 128 BBBs across the United States and Canada rate more than 3 million local and national businesses and charities with scores ranging from A to F. Only a BBB Accredited Business may elect to participate in BBBOnLine, one of the most trusted and recognized Internet seal programs in the world.
The BBB serving northern Colorado and Wyoming is trending toward 1 million instances of service to consumers and businesses in 2009. These services include reliability reports on local companies and charities, access to companies that can be trusted by industry, help with dispute resolution, and trustworthy information on consumer and business topics.
Barbara Read, VP Communications Director, 970-488-2035, bread@wynco.bbb.org