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.
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There are currently 68 articles listed on misleading programs.
Name | Threat Level | Detection Count | Date |
---|---|---|---|
Antivirus Doktor 2009 |
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8 | May 29, 2009 |
BrowserModifier.DotcomToolbar |
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0 | April 22, 2011 |
Check Disk |
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0 | November 21, 2010 |
Defragmenter |
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11 | December 14, 2010 |
Disk Defragmenter | January 17, 2011 | ||
Disk Ok |
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3 | January 10, 2011 |
Disk Optimizer |
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5 | January 14, 2011 |
Disk Recovery |
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4 | February 7, 2011 |
Disk Repair |
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15 | December 21, 2010 |
DiskHelper | January 17, 2011 | ||
Dream Media Player | August 26, 2009 | ||
Easy Scan | December 30, 2010 | ||
FastDisk |
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15 | January 11, 2011 |
FileHunter | June 21, 2012 | ||
FullScan | December 28, 2010 | ||
Good Memory |
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22 | January 12, 2011 |
Hard Drive Diagnostic |
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4 | December 5, 2010 |
HDD Defragmenter |
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0 | November 2, 2010 |
HDD Doctor | December 21, 2010 | ||
Hdd Fix |
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9 | January 3, 2011 |
HDD Help | December 14, 2010 | ||
HDD Low |
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15 | December 26, 2010 |
HDD Ok |
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6 | January 10, 2011 |
HDD Plus |
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2 | December 8, 2010 |
HDD Recovery | December 13, 2010 |
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