Bad Image Virus

The Bad Image Virus Causes a Computer to Display the Bad Image Error Message Repeatedly

The term 'Bad Image Virus' is not particularly accurate. However, this term is how a common error associated with malware has come to be known. The 'Bad Image' error message is not uncommon in the Windows operating system. However, the Bad Image Virus is a way in which criminals take advantage of the Bad Image error message in order to cause a computer user to panic. Instances of the Bad Image Virus have been known to date as far back as 2008 and probably even before. Basically, this fake error message is a component of various malware infections, usually those that seek to scam the victim by convincing him/her to purchase a fake anti-virus program. The Bad Image Virus may also be a component of several rootkit infections. These kinds of malware threats attempt to disable any legitimate security software on the victim's computer system. Whenever the victim attempts to access one of these programs, the malware residing on the victim's hard drive causes the infected operating system to display the Bad Image error message. While a single instance of the Bad Image error message may in fact be related to an actual application error, the vast majority of cases in which this message appears are related to a malware infection using the Bad Image Virus component. This is especially true in the case of computer systems running the Windows Vista or Windows 7 operating system, in which the Bad Image error message is much more uncommon. Typically, when the Bad Image Virus causes this error message, the victim will receive numerous alerts, with this fake error message appearing non-stop.

How Does the Bad Image Virus Get into a Computer System?

Despite the name that this infection receives, this component is usually part of a multi-component Trojan infection. Most Trojans cannot spread by themselves and require social engineering tactics in order to enter a computer system. The Bad Image Virus in particular has been associated with various freeware applications, especially those offering GUI upgrades for computer users seeking to make their computer system more attractive but without the knowledge necessary in order to distinguish legitimate software downloads from potential malware. ESG security researchers strongly advise to be careful with what you download, since user downloads are actually the top way in which malware makes its way into a computer system.