Fake anti-virus security alert

Security experts are warning of fake anti-virus programs that actually cause the problems that they claim to solve.

Spam emails arrive in the recipient's Inbox and contain a link to a "bogus celebrity scandal", according to Trend Micro.

When the recipient clicks on the link, messages appear on the computer screen warning that the PC is infected with a virus.

According to Trend Micro, the messages look very convincing. If you click on the ads, you will unwittingly be downloading a Trojan horse, though you think you are actually going to get a free anti-virus program.

Trend Micro have detected Trojans called TROJ_FAKEAV.CX, which link to fake software downloads called Antivirus 2009.

"Perhaps it’s because this is the time of the year when the more legitimate security suites are releasing their latest software updates, and cybercriminals are riding on this season to ramp up their profits," said Paul Oliveria of Trend Micro.

"Bad news for the infected users though, as their latest versions of 'anti-virus software' are actually adding more threats to their system," he continued.

www.trendmicro.com