Search the Community

What Is A Scareware? Scareware is malicious software that tricks computer users into visiting malware-infested websites. Also known as deception software, rogue scanner software or fraudware, scareware may come in the form of pop-ups. How Is A Scareware Used? Typically through pop-up ads from rogue security providers that may sound legitimate but are fake. For example, rogue scareware or fake software names to watch out for include Advanced Cleaner, System Defender, and Ultimate Cleaner. Scareware ads, which pop up in front of open applications and browsers, aim to scare computer users into thinking they have a major problem with their device. The hacker uses pop-up warnings to tell them their computer has been infected with dangerous viruses that could cause it to malfunction or crash. Some scareware ads also purport to be scanning the user’s device, then showing them hundreds of viruses that are supposedly present but are actually fake results. Typically, the more menacing or shocking an ad pop-up sounds, the more likely the claims being made are scareware. Another key feature of scareware is urgency. Hackers attempt to convince users that the supposed device problem requires immediate action and then prompt them to install the program as quickly as possible. Therefore, always be careful with any ad that demands the user to act immediately. It is most likely scareware.