System Smart Security

System Smart Security is part of a range of fake anti-virus programs that are part of a scam. These programs are designed to steal a person's money by tricking him/her into thinking his/her computer is infected beyond repair. This is very similar to what shifty mechanics and repairmen have been doing for decades. The difference is that today the con-artists have been automated to reach as many people as possible.

Understanding the System Smart Security Scam with an Analogy

To understand how the System Smart Security scam works, let's forget for a minute about this rogue security program. Instead, let's imagine a human computer repairman. Let's say that you see a flyer on the street advertising free computer check-ups. After contacting the person that put the flyer up, a supposed repairman shows up at your house. He is dressed very convincingly, just like a real, certified computer repairman would dress. This guy will take a look at your computer and then say: "I'm sorry sir/ ma'am, but your computer is broken. Nothing is working." Your computer was fine before the check-up, but now it isn't working properly. Then the repairman will say something like "I can remove the problem for you, but I'll need you to pay first." While you weren't looking, the supposed repairman broke something in your computer and now is trying to charge you to fix it. System Security works in exactly the same way. Most users that become infected get programs like System Smart Security and System Smart Security's clones from online advertisements pretending to be malware scanners. The supposed anti-virus will severely disrupt your computer's performance. Then, like the repairman from the above analogy, System Smart Security will claim that something is broken and try to charge you so that it can be fixed. Unfortunately, giving System Smart Security your credit card information will do nothing to solve your problem.

System Smart Security Clones and Copies

This program is part of group of rogue security programs known as the FakeVimes family. This group of harmful software disguised as a security application includes Virus Melt, Presto TuneUp, Fast Antivirus 2009, Extra Antivirus, Windows Security Suite, Smart Virus Eliminator, Packed.Generic.245, Volcano Security Suite, Windows Enterprise Suite, Enterprise Suite, Additional Guard, PC Live Guard, Live PC Care, Live Enterprise Suite, Security Antivirus, My Security Wall, CleanUp Antivirus, Smart Security, Windows Protection Suite, Windows Work Catalyst. They are all practically identical in the way they operate. The only significant thing that changes from one program to the other is the user interface. However, authentic they may look, they are all part of the same scam.

How Can You Avoid Being Infected by System Smart Security and Its Ilk?

There are several steps that you can take to avoid getting rogue anti-spyware programs on your computer. However, these all boil down to the same basic thing: Be smart when browsing the Internet.

If you use common sense the chances of your computer being attacked are much lower. Treat dodgy websites like adult video sites and file sharing networks as you would treat a dark alley. You wouldn't go for a walk down a dark alley in the middle of the night, right? Similarly, if you need to go to these sites, you should be protected (having a real anti-virus utility downloaded from a legitimate source.) Also avoid downloading or clicking on any advertisements on these kinds of websites. Most importantly, to avoid System Smart Security, do not trust online malware scanners. Any anti-malware scanning should only be done by a trustworthy anti-virus application. Not by something that is being offered for free in some dark alley of the Internet.