Get Help Here!

Protect yourself from fake Anti-virus programs

Fake anti-virus and anti-malware programs are running rampant around the Internet. These programs pretend to scan your computer for infections. However, many of these programs actually INFECT your computer or provide a method for other infections to slip in. The rogue pieces of software then prompt for payment to remove the "infection." The most recent version made the headlines in Computerworld.

Rogue software programs such as these can:

1. Steal YOUR identity
2. Send spam messages from your e-mail address
3. Corrupt or destroy YOUR documents
4. Allow other, stronger infections into your computer
5. Crash your computer
6. Slow your computer to a crawl
7. Wreak havoc on the network, causing larger computer issues
8. Infect other computers
9. Create a fake Windows "blue screen of death"

Example of a fake program, Antivirus 2010

One of the largest rogue anti-virus software packages moving through the Internet is Antivirus 2008, Antivirus 2009, Antivirus 2010 and Antivirus360.

An example is illutrated below.

*WARNING - The newest version of this rogue software lies and states your documents are corrupted. DO NOT click anything that says " FileFix Pro 2009 " or " filefix professional 2009." This program will encrypt your files! Close your browser immediately.

Software like this requires your help to install and run. DON'T HELP IT. For more information, click here.

Methods to protect yourself

• For a personally owned computer, use the university sponsored anti-virus program, Symantec Endpoint Protection.
  • If your computer is university owned, please talk to your computer support group for assistance.
• Read "How to recognize a Fake Virus Alert Message."
• NEVER use file sharing programs to download games, music, movies, TV shows, etc. A large majority of the files shared on this network are infected.
• NEVER click advertisements on the Internet.
• NEVER give anyone your password.
• NEVER respond to SPAM.
• READ all warnings very carefully.
• EDUCATE yourself, your friends and family about this infection.
• Read "Preventing Antivirus XP Infections."
• NEVER click OK or cancel to warnings like this.

What to do if you get a pop-up

• Close the WEB browser (Chrome, Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, etc. ) immediately. Do NOT click on OK or cancel listed on the fake warning above.
• Contact your computer support group.

Who to contact

OSU work computer - Please contact your computer support group.

OSU Students - Contact the OSU Computer Helpdesk.

Self help options for personal computers

• Download Malwarebytes.
  • Disconnect from the Internet and run a full scan of Malwarebytes.
• Run a full scan with the anti-virus program (Symantec Endpoint protection, McAffee, AVG, Avast) installed on your computer.
  • For your information, the full scan can take multiple hours to complete properly.
• Read and follow the directions to remove Anti-virus 2009
• Read and follow the guide to remove FileFix Professional 2009