What are Misleading Programs?

Misleading programs or applications intentionally misrepresent the security status of a computer. Misleading programs attempt to convince you that potential malware or security risks (usually nonexistent or fake) are infecting your computer and you must remove them immediately.

The application will then hold your PC hostage by refusing to allow you to remove or fix these phantom problems until the required software is purchased and installed. Misleading programs often appear convincing the programs may look like legitimate security applications and often have corresponding websites with user testimonials, lists of features, etc.

Misleading applications typically strike people when they are surfing the web. There is not a single type of website where these applications are found, but they are more common from sites offering pirated goods and adult content, as well as blogs and forums. They can even sneak into advertisements on legitimate sites, usually through banner ads at the top of Web page.

In order to get installed onto a system, a person is usually either tricked into downloading the program (thinking it’s something else) or a small program called a “Downloader” is installed by the attacker through an un-patched flaw in the person’s web browser. This is often known as a “drive-by” install.

List of Misleading Programs Parasites:

Viewing 10 of 11

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» Registry Defender
Registry Defender Description ...
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» PC Codec Pack (PC-Codec-Pack.com)
PC Codec Pack Description PC Codec Pack is a fake codec that comes from the same family of Luxe Codec XP. PC Codec Pack displays fake error messages claiming that your computer is unable to play multimedia files unless this fraudulent codec is installed. ...
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» PC Codec Pack
PC Codec Pack Description PC Codec Pack is a fake codec that comes from the same family of Luxe Codec XP. PC Codec Pack displays fake error messages claiming that your computer is unable to play multimedia files unless this fraudulent codec is installed. ...
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» HeroCodec
HeroCodec Description HeroCodec, like Luxe Codec XP and PC Codec Pack, is a fake codec pack that uses malicious tactics in order to spread and intimidate users into purchasing it. Typically, this parasite infiltrates a system due to the Zlob trojan ...
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» VAC Codec
VAC Codec Description VAC Codec is a fake multimedia player. VAC Codec comes attached with a Trojan virus, and to trick the user into launching VAC Codec, a pop-up notification is received prompting the user to download VAC Codec in order to view a ...
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» VSCodec PRO
VSCodec PRO Description VSCodec PRO is a fake video codec promising increased quality of media files, but not delivering. In fact, VSCodec PRO may in fact cause problems with the sound settings, while displaying numerous false alert messages. One such fictitious security notification may ...
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» Antivirus Doktor 2009
Antivirus Doktor 2009 Description ...
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» <!--:en-->Registry Doktor 2009<!--:-->
Registry Doktor 2009 Description Registry Doktor ...
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» Spy Sniper
Spy Sniper Description Spy Sniper is a missleading program that uses vigorous tactics for deception that leads to the purchase of a full Spy Sniper application. Spy Sniper pretends to be a security application that is able resolve computer issues. Spy Sniper, after installed, ...
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» Dream Media Player
Dream Media Player Description Dream Media Player is a fraudulent video codec usually downloaded and installed manually onto a computer via an adult-related pornographic website. Once active, Dream Media Player will cause your system to be infected with the adware Zango.
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