by Andrew Broad
19. October 2009 18:21
I had a client contact me over the weekend who had received a message on his computer that there were 42 threats found on his PC. If he clicked on it he was offered the opportunity to buy an additional anti virus package which would remove the threats. Fortunatly my client contacted me before he bought the software. This is a scam, and generally results in the unsuspecting user installing threats on a PC which was otherwise uninfected. I advised my client to leave it and I would prevent the message popping up again.
The general rule here, is that if something just pops up saying you have threats, and you don't recognise the name of the software reporting the treats, do not click on it. Also if something reports threats and then asks you to pay to fix them, again don't proceed, there are free ways to check for threats, and remove them as listed further on in this article (Follow this link to read a news article on fake anti virus http://www.itpro.co.uk/616429/cyber-criminals-make-big-bucks-with-scareware).
If you do receve a message like this and you already have anti virus software installed, ensure your anti virus is up to date and run a scan. You will probably find that there is nothing wrong.
If you don't have anti virus software installed on your PC, you can do a free scan from a reputable security company. Try any of the following links:
Or, try downloading one of these free anti virus packages for scheduled scanning of your PC, and removal of viruses:
Or for a complete security product for up to date ongoing virus protection to put your mind at rest try the following paid for anti virus software
I'd only recommend the above for home users, or small companies with less than 5 PC's. For larger companies looking for a reputable security solution please contact me via our contact us page, and we'll recommend the best security product for your company.