Antivirus software is essential for protecting your devices from malicious software that can steal your passwords, payment details, and other sensitive information.
Unfortunately, cybercriminals are aware of this and have devised ways to trick users into installing fake antivirus programmes or responding to fraudulent emails that impersonate well-known security brands.
Here’s how to identify fake antivirus software and stay safe online.
What is a fake antivirus software?
Many people search for free antivirus solutions, making them an easy target for scammers who create fake apps. These apps often conduct fake scans, displaying alarming results that falsely indicate your device is infected.
The goal is to scare you into paying for a service to remove these non-existent threats. In doing so, you not only lose money but also risk exposing your payment details and other personal information to criminals.
How fake antivirus software works
Fake antivirus software can operate in various ways. Sometimes, it bombards you with warnings about supposed viruses on your device, demanding payment to “clean” your system. Other times, it works quietly in the background, spying on you through your webcam or microphone and logging your keystrokes.
Some fake antivirus programs even charge a subscription fee for services they never intend to provide. These deceptive apps may look convincing, with polished interfaces and even fake reviews, but they serve no real security purpose.
How fake antivirus software gets installed
Fake antivirus programs can infiltrate your device through different methods:
- App stores: Despite security checks, some fake apps make it onto legitimate platforms like Google Play. These apps often have high ratings and glowing reviews, which can be fake or manipulated to appear credible.
- Compromised or fake websites: You might unknowingly download fake antivirus software from a compromised website or a fraudulent site that mimics a legitimate one. These sites often display pop-up warnings claiming your device is infected and prompt you to download software that supposedly fixes the issue.
- Social media and pop-ups: Scammers also use social media platforms and pop-ups to distribute fake antivirus software. These can appear as ads or alerts, urging you to take immediate action to protect your device.
What’s more, not all fake apps are free. The other way you can be scammed is by paying a subscription for a service that isn’t provided.
How to spot a fake antivirus software
Recognising fake antivirus software can be challenging, especially if you are unfamiliar with the brand. Here are some signs that indicate the antivirus app you’ve installed might be fake:
- Unexpected pop-ups: If you see constant pop-ups warning that your device is infected and prompting you to download software or make a payment, it’s a clear warning sign.
- Demands for payment: Legitimate antivirus software doesn’t demand money to remove threats after a scan. Be cautious if an app insists on payment to clean your device.
- Poor performance: A sudden decline in your device’s performance, such as slow speeds or unresponsiveness, after installing antivirus software can indicate a fake programme that’s working maliciously in the background.
Our advice is to choose from our round-up of the best antivirus software, and ensure that the website you’re downloading it from is the real deal and not a fake.
How to avoid installing a fake antivirus software
To avoid these scams, always download antivirus software from reputable sources. Here are some reliable websites for well-known antivirus brands:
- www.norton.com
- www.mcafee.com
- www.avast.com
- www.avg.com
- www.eset.com
- www.sophos.com
- www.gdatasoftware.com
Always remember to double-check the website URL and ensure it uses a secure connection (https://) before downloading anything.
You can also take a look at Wikipedia’s list of known rogue security software.
What is an antivirus email scam?
Scammers often use emails to trick people into believing their antivirus software needs to be renewed or that their device is infected. These emails can appear convincing, using the names and logos of trusted brands like Norton and McAfee.
How to identify a scam email
Be wary of emails that don’t address you by name or contain generic greetings like “Dear Customer.” Legitimate companies usually include your name in their correspondence. Also, look out for spelling and grammatical errors, which are common in scam emails.
Scam emails often use urgent language, prompting you to act quickly by clicking a link or calling a customer service number. These tactics are designed to make you respond impulsively without verifying the email’s authenticity.
If you receive such an email, do not click on any links or provide any personal information. Instead, visit the official website of your antivirus provider and log into your account to check for any legitimate messages.
However, these scams aren’t limited to emails; they can also come through phone calls or text messages. Regardless of the medium, the goal is the same: to trick you into revealing personal information or making a payment.
How to avoid getting scammed by an email
To protect yourself from fake antivirus software and scams, follow these guidelines:
- Use reputable software: Stick to well-known antivirus brands and download them only from their official websites. Avoid free antivirus software unless you are confident in its legitimacy.
- Be cautious of pop-ups: If a pop-up claims your device is infected, don’t click on it. Run a scan using your trusted antivirus software instead.
- Verify emails and messages: If you receive an email or message about your antivirus subscription, go directly to the company’s official website and log into your account to verify the information.
- Keep software updated: Ensure your antivirus software and operating system are always up to date. This helps protect against the latest threats.
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to fake antivirus scams. To stay safe, we recommend following these 10 tips to avoid all types of scams, including fake antivirus.
And if you don’t have the money to spend on software at the moment, here’s the best free antivirus that will help to protect you.
