WHAT IS A SCAREWARE?

Have you ever received sudden pop-up notifications or sound alerts claiming that your PC is infected with a multitude of viruses? Notifications are usually followed by a number to call or a link to download software to get rid of the problem. It is nothing more than a deceptive tactic known as "scareware".

Scareware has similar objectives to other cyber-attacks like phishing and ransomware. You've probably encountered it while browsing the internet, clicking on an app, or trying to download a browser extension.

So what damage can scareware do to your device? And what can you do if you see such a message?

What type of damage does scareware cause?

In addition to tricking you into purchasing questionable software, the scareware also comes with a bag full of other damage.

Panic and loss of finances

The audible alerts and high-pitched voice notifications create hysteria that causes users to rush out to buy bogus software. You may be asked to shell out from a few dollars to hundreds and the most anxious users just comply with the spur of the moment.

Malware installation

Some scareware can instruct users to download bogus software, while others download automatically without user permission. This malicious software can spread malware to infect your system, disable your programs, and allow cybercriminals to access your personal information such as bank accounts and credit card numbers.

Get spied on

Some scareware can convince you to install malicious anti-virus software. But it won't protect you from real viruses. In fact, hackers use it to spy on your offline activities, access your sensitive information, and track your browsing habits.

Device dominance

Scareware could disable your existing antivirus software and install malware to retrieve your personal data and potentially steal your financial information. By collecting your data, clicks, and connections, scareware can take full control of your device.

Different Types of Scareware

In March 2019, a settlement of $ 35 million was made between Office Depot, its technology provider Support.com and the FTC on the basis of allegations that a free software known as "PC Health Check Program" has been downloaded to the customer's computers. This software also used scareware tactics to sell diagnostic and repair services to customers.

Now let's take a look at the different ways that scareware can present itself:

Attract emails

Email spoofing can be used to send “urgent” emails requiring immediate action. Innocent users are tricked into downloading a link to malware in order to avoid a "potential" threat. They may also be asked to share their credentials to allow bogus tech support to fix the issue.

Website Popups

This form of scareware mainly resides on third party platforms or websites and can be triggered when a user visits those websites. It makes an appearance in the form of a pop-up or an ad asking the user to install software on their device.

The links to download software are mostly Trojans and contain malware. The pop-up window can look like a tiny, dormant banner or be so large that it takes up the entire screen, preventing users from accessing website content.

Technical assistance calls

This type of Scareware falls into a gray area because deceptive software is not involved. However, it relies on scare tactics of calling targets and pretending to be tech support or law enforcement officers telling them that suspicious activity has been traced back to their computers.

Once the target takes the bait, other persuasion and pressure tactics are carried out, forcing victims to disclose sensitive and personal information.

What To Do If You Are The Victim Of A Scareware Attack?

Here's how to protect yourself if you suddenly find yourself in the middle of a scareware attack:

Update all your browsers

Most users are too lazy to keep up with updates and ignore this simple protective gear. By keeping your browsers up to date, the chances of scareware infestations are reduced and best of all, you can even schedule automated updates to keep your browsers safe.

Enable pop-up blockers

It's obvious, but it goes a long way in protecting you against Scareware. If there are no pop-ups, there will be no bogus ads or security programs that try to rip you off.

Resist the urge to click on links

Even after enabling the pop-up blockers, if some do appear, resist the urge to click on any links or download buttons provided by them.

Encrypt your emails

Email encryption is the process of securing your emails using encryption algorithms. The good news is that by encrypting your emails or opting for an encrypted email service provider, you can prevent scareware-related emails from landing in your mailbox!

Install legitimate antivirus software

The installation of an antivirus is an act of trust because you give access to the analysis of all your personal files and folders. Always invest in legitimate antivirus software from reputable companies that you can recognize. Also avoid free antivirus software because many free tools are bogus.

Warning Signs Of Scareware

Recognizing the warning signs of scareware is the first step in mitigating these attacks. The typical warning signs of a scareware are as follows.

 

Scary pop-up ads

The purpose of Scareware is to scare you into buying bogus software. Therefore, most of the pop-up windows will have disastrous warnings or scary texts advising that your computer will crash soon. The more threatening the message, the more likely it is to be scareware.

Annoying pop-ups

If a pop-up window with a warning message is too hard to close or keeps showing more warnings when you press the close button, it is most likely scareware. The best way to get rid of it is to restart the computer.

Immediate scan of your computer

To appear more legitimate, scareware immediately begins scanning your computer. Ultimately, a "fake" list with a ton of virus infections that have been discovered is displayed to users.