A recent report by Symantec brings to light yet another new threat facing computer users. Like the proverbial wolf in sheep's clothing, cybercriminals have taken to duping computer users into voluntarily installing malware in the guise of antivirus software.

Such rogue security software, or "scareware," pretends to be legitimate security software with credible designs that mimic the look and feel of real security programs.

Symantec's report notes that 250 rogue security programs have been detected and that from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009, 43 million installation attempts have been tracked.

93 percent of the software installations for the top 50 rogue security software scams were intentionally purchased and downloaded by the user at prices ranging from $30 to $100 a pop.

The report adds that rogue security software programs are given valid-sounding names, such as "Virus Remover 2008" or "AntiVirus Gold," or names that spoof legitimate brands, such as "Nortel."

These rogue applications provide little or no value and may even install malicious code or reduce the overall security of the computer.

Scareware programs are often distributed on Web sites that appear credible and enable the user to easily download the illegitimate software. Some malicious sites actually use genuine online payment services to process credit card transactions, which may also immediately comprise the user's credit information. Some even email receipts, complete with serial number and customer service number.

Boutique web sites and blogs earning small revenues through "affiliate" advertising programs are paid up to $0.55 for each installation of rogue security software, though the sites themselves are not necessarily party to the scam.

The top ten sales affiliates for the rogue security distribution site TrafficConverter.biz reportedly earned an average of $23,000 per week during the 12-month study period of the report.

Perpetrators of rogue security software scams use a wide variety of techniques to trick users into downloading and paying for these programs, including fear tactics and other social engineering methods distributed through spam, Web pop-up and banner advertisements, and postings on forums and social networking sites.
 
 

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