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 may appear as legitimate security applications and often use websites that have user testimonials and awards to convince users of it’s authenticity.

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:

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» Registry Defender
Registry Defender is a fake registry cleaner that displays misleading and exaggerated warnings about the users system's registry errors. Registry Defender does not pose a serious security threat but is an annoyance. Registry Defender must be installed by you; therefore you may have downloaded the program ...
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» PC Codec Pack (PC-Codec-Pack.com)
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. Once PC Codec Pack is installed, ...
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» HeroCodec
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 and attempts to trick ...
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» VAC Codec
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 certain adult video content. Once ...
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» VSCodec PRO
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 read: "Fatal Error. Media system ...
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» Antivirus Doktor 2009
Antivirus Doktor 2009 is a misleading anti-spyware application that appears to be a clone of Registry Doktor 2009. Antivirus Doktor 2009 displays misleading and exaggerated results about the users system's registry errors. You may have downloaded Antivirus Doktor 2009 on its official website, ...
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» Registry Doktor 2009
Registry Doktor 2009 is a misleading registry cleaner. Once installed and active, Registry Doktor 2009 will subject the computer to a fake scan in search of registry errors. Once completed, fictitious and sometimes exaggerated infection results will be reported, with the only suggested means of removable being ...
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» Spy Sniper
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, is known to display fake ...
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» Dream Media Player
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.... Dream Media Player is a fraudulent video ...
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» Joke.MoveMouse
Joke.MoveMouse is not necessarily a malware program but it can be annoying to have on your PC. Joke.MoveMouse is sometimes found bundled with potentially unwanted programs. Joke.MoveMouse may spread via unsolicited e-mail attachments or drive-by downloads. Joke.MoveMouse is manually executed when an unsuspecting user clicks on ...
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