There is new malware preying on your PC, and people are being caught off guard by its claim to be antivirus software. The renegade software is popping up on different versions of Windows, morphing into whatever iteration of the operating system you’re running.
The malware comes from a rogue software group called FakeRean. According to McAfee, it poses as an antivirus, claiming to have scanned your computer and that you had better hurry and buy this protection or your computer is going to break and the world is going to end. In reality, it takes control of your GUI to extort money out of you using these scare tactics.
Here is what you should be on the lookout for.
Windows 7:
Windows Vista:
Windows XP:
Be wary of any software that urges you to buy antivirus protection — it very well may be an impostor. [McAfee via TheNextWeb]
Image: Lightspring/Shutterstock