What is Scareware?
Scareware are programmes that trick the user into believing that their computer is infected with malware or that illegal content has been accidentally downloaded. The user is then lured into buying and downloading unnecessary and potentially dangerous software, e.g. fake antivirus programs.
How to recognise scareware
- Flood of pop-ups or banners on the screen
- False virus & security warnings
- Unknown software
- Intrusive purchase requests
How to prevent scareware
- Do not click on advertising banners
- Avoid dubious websites & never share them
- Do not disclose personal data
- Use secure browsers and update them regularly
- Use pop-up blockers, firewalls etc.
- Install virus scanners