This is a nasty, rogue anti-spyware program that displays totally false security messages to trick users into purchasing a full version of Antivirus 2010 software.  Antivirus 2010 was designed by Russian hackers to steal your money and install even more malware.  Antivirus 2010 is a rogue anti-spyware scanner that can seriously damage your PC.  Once you are tricked into clicking the Antivirus 2010 deceptive ads, you’re taken to a purchase page where you are prompted to download the Antivirus 2010 software.  Antivirus 2010 will hijack your browser, display fake security warnings, and slow your computer to a crawl.

Antivirus 2010 behaviour

• Antivirus 2010 displays fake spyware detection reports
• Antivirus 2010 can slow your computer
• Antivirus 2010 can download and install other malware
• Antivirus 2010 floods internet connection
• Antivirus 2010 displays a fake Blue Screen Of Death (Windows fatel error screen)
• Antivirus 2010 is difficult to remove

We did find some manual removal instructions on the web and they seemed to work.  On the first computer we saw we removed it manually by deleting files and some registry entries as per the instructions we found but then we installed Malware Bytes on the others and did a full scan.  It also seems to have worked.

So if you see any kind of pop up about AntiVirus 2010 Beware!!!  Don’t click it.  Right clicking the icon in the task bar and selecting “close” is a probably good idea so you don’t accidently click anything on that pop up window.

Some tips..

• Surf and download safely. Only go to websites you trust. Free, file-sharing programs are often bundled with sneaky spyware.
• Read all End User License Agreements and Privacy Statements carefully before installing new software.
• Never click “agree” or “OK” to close a pop-up window because that can trigger spyware. Only click on the red “x” in the corner or click on Alt + F4 to close the window safely.
• Update your software regularly to make sure you have all the latest critical and security updates.
• Adjust your browser security settings to Medium or higher (click on Internet Options under Tools. Select the Security tab).
• Do not let other people use your computer.
• Do not open spam e-mail messages or attachments from people you do not know. It is even wise to check with those you do know that the attachment actually came from them.
• Be aware of sophisticated phishing scams via e-mail (messages that actually look like they are from your bank, internet provider, etc).
• Choose passwords with both numbers and letters, or to be even more secure pick a “pass phrase”. Never use birthdays, family or pet names.
• Never log into your bank or other financial accounts from public computers or from wireless networks where login information can be stolen.

Be Careful out there!