Onescom System

The following Windows Antivirus 2008 actions occur:

• The Internet user surfs the Web and visits a questionable website. A large amount of rogue anti-spyware programs like Windows Antivirus 2008 are mostly pushed through adult websites.

• The Internet user downloads a free video codec, such as Video ActiveX Enhancement 2.07, which comes bundled with Windows Antivirus 2008. Freeware or shareware programs tend to come with other unwanted programs such as Windows Antivirus 2008. Do not install any free software without reading its EULA. By simply reading a program’s EULA, you can determine whether a program you are installing has spyware bundled with it.

• The Internet user is infected with the rogue anti-spyware program Windows Antivirus 2008. Windows Antivirus 2008 runs a scan on the computer and gives a false spyware report claiming that the computer is infected with spyware. Once the scan is completed, a warning message appears that lists the spyware ‘found’ and the user has to either click on a link or a button to remove it. This deceptive tactic is an attempt to scare the Internet user into clicking on the link or button to purchase Windows Antivirus 2008.

• The Internet user closes all the fake Windows error messages and warnings and is unaware that Windows Antivirus 2008 is still running its malicious tasks in the background. Windows Antivirus 2008 reloads itself on a timer so if the Internet user closes the program it will only take a few moments until it opens again. The average Internet user does not realize when spyware has infected his/her computer until it is too late and the spyware problem has already spread throughout the computer.

• Internet user opens web browser and is redirected to a rogue website. Known rogue websites that promote rogue anti-spyware programs are iesecurepages.com, ahomepcsafety.com, securitypills.com, softhomepage.com, asafetyliner.com, puresafetyhere.com, safehomesite.com, instantsafepage.com, safetyonlinepage.com, among others. The Internet user is bombard with websites that pop up messages that tries to push a product on him/her. Ignore such messages! We recommend closing these windows by clicking on the X instead of the ‘OK’ button.