A fake security alert is an event that some types of viruses and other malicious software generate to make a computer appear to be infected with viruses. Fake anti-virus software cause these fake security alerts. Such fake anti-virus software pretend to scan a computer for malicious software and then displays a long list of “infections” that are really essential computer files, application files, or files that do not even exist. When the user attempts to remove these infections with the fake anti-virus software, the program tells him/her to upgrade to the commercial version of the software by purchasing it. If the user does not upgrade the software, the program continues to display fake security alerts that may appear every few seconds or simply remain on the desktop. If the user purchases the software, the program may stop displaying fake security alerts, but will not remove any infections or further damage the computer and possibly forward the user’s credit card information to a remote hacker who will then steal the user’s identity.

How to Remove a Fake Security Alert

In order to remove fake security alerts, users must download and install a real anti-virus software that is capable of recognizing the fake security alerts as a virus and removing the software that is causing them. Several free and powerful anti-virus programs include Spyware Terminator, Malwarebytes, Antimalware, Spybot Search and Destroy, AVG, and Advanced SystemCare. While each of these programs has its own tools and options for removing malicious software, they are all capable of removing most infections. After the infection is removed, the user may need to use Windows Explorer’s System Restore in order to repair any damage the fake anti-virus software may have caused. The user can do this by clicking Start, scrolling over All Programs, scrolling over Accessories, scrolling over System Tools, and selecting System Restore.

 

How to Protect a Computer from Viruses

In order to protect a computer from viruses and other malicious software such as fake anti-virus programs, the user must ensure that his/her real anti-virus software is up to date. Users can easily update any of the free anti-virus programs listed above by using their built-in database updaters. Scanning a computer regularly can prevent many viruses from causing damage as they are removed before they have a chance to wreak havoc on the computer. Additionally, anti-virus software that includes a real time shield such as AVG, Spyware Terminator, and Advanced SystemCare, allows the user to catch any kind of virus or malicious software that attempts to run on his/her computer.