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| CURRENT SECTION :: TechZone | UK's most visited IT Contractor Site - 250k unique visitors March 2008 |
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Just when computer users and their systems are down, criminals are happy to give them a kick, according to the latest security alert. Experts at Sophos say internet users who search Google for ‘free anti-virus’ software are being led to a Trojan horse, posing as a free copy of Norton AntiVirus 2008. Adverts appearing to come from the search engine lead users who enter the words to a reputable-looking website, claiming the Norton product is ready to download. Preying upon users’ needs to rid their systems of infection, the site downloads Troj/FakeAV-AD, which will then display fake security alerts while installing. The programme then invites users to buy the “full version” of the software - a message some users will associate with reputable applications they have used before. “After pornography, 'free antivirus' must be one of the most popular things that people search for on the internet,” said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos. “There is a real problem with hackers using paid-for search engine adverts to bring traffic to their websites, with the ultimate aim of conning people out of money. “Symantec, the makers of Norton AntiVirus, are unlikely to be amused by this abuse of their brand name - but that will be little comfort for the innocent people who fall for the trick and end up with an infected computer.” Cluley said the malicious advert falsely promising a free version of Norton AV 2009 can be spotted on Google by the wording “offer ends today.” Sep 24, 2008 Email this article Printer friendly page Previous Page
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