FakeAlert-MCodec security warning

A malicious Trojan posing as a legitimate download has been spotted in the wild by McAfee. The FakeAlert-MCodec Trojan poses as a download for a video codec or other software application. Typically, you receive an email from an unknown sender with a link to the download. However, as you download the file, warning messages pop up on your screen. The messages tell you that you there has been a problem with the installation and an 'antivirus scanner' starts to run. Warnings of infections on your system - which aren't really there - then flash up. Other supposed symptoms of infection will also be evident - applications will stop working and open windows will close. You'll be presented with the choice of paying for the full version of the software to 'clean' up your PC, or to leave it as it is, with warning messages peppering the screen. "The new twist is that your favorite audio or video application may now assist in this nefarious sale. When you install this application, you will actually see things 'happening'," said Kevin Beets of McAfee. "You won't be happily working away listening to the latest pop sensation when this gets loaded. The malware will actually stop your multimedia application and drop your volume to zero," Beets continued. The scam is similar to other fake anti-virus tricks that have been spotted recently. McAfee advises you to make sure you have up-to-date anti-virus and firewall installed on your system and not to click on links in emails from unknown senders in order to prevent malware infections.