'TROJAN_2022 and Other Viruses Detected' Scam

Dubious and untrustworthy websites are using a new tactic variation, tracked by infosec researchers as the 'TROJAN_2022 and Other Viruses Detected' scam. This fake content states that the site visitor's device has multiple infections and tries to scare the unsuspecting visitors into following the displayed instructions. Users must remember that all of the claims found on these shady pages are entirely fabricated and should not be trusted. 

Characteristics of the 'TROJAN_2022 and Other Viruses Detected' Scam

This tactic involves multiple pop-ups that pretend to come from the reputable computer security company McAfee. Among the displayed pop-ups, one mimics the interface of McAfee anti-virus products, while another acts to run a threat scan of the user's device. The shady site will then generate a supposed summary of the detected threats, which includes TROJAN_2022, adware and spyware. 

To further scare users into following the shown instructions, the fraudsters will elaborate that the detected adware is capable of altering search results by injecting fake content into them; the spyware could access and exfiltrate sensitive banking information as well as account credentials (usernames/passwords), while the Trojan could potentially wipe the system's hard drive. However, no website is capable of performing such threat scans in the first place, so all of the information shown to users is entirely fake.

The Goal of the 'TROJAN_2022 and Other Viruses Detected' Scam

The fearmongering tactics employed as part of the 'TROJAN_2022 and Other Viruses Detected' scam aim to scare users into buying a promoted product. Typically, these scams will lead to a legitimate website that has affiliate tags attached to it. When users purchase the page, the fraudsters will then receive commission fees and earn profits. However, sometimes this is not the case, and the behavior of the deceptive websites could easily be changed. Visitors could start to be presented with dubious applications, which turn out to be intrusive adware, browser hijackers and PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs). That is why users must remain vigilant when dealing with unfamiliar pages encountered while browsing the Internet.