CyberSecurity: One Rogue Program That May Not Increase Your Security

By: Wayne Davis
Submitted: 2009-11-03 17:55:45
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What is a rogue antivirus program?  What does it do?  There are a lot of questions surrounding these programs, and it is essential you have the answers you need.  How do you know if you have a rogue program, like CyberSecurity, installed in your system?  Find your answers here so you can better protect your computer.

CyberSecurity:  A Rogue Antivirus Program

CyberSecurity is in a class of malware known as rogue antivirus programs.  These seek to persuade computer users to buy their full, licensed software in order to remove security risks from their systems.  It sounds good, but there is a problem.  In fact, there are a few.  First, there are likely no security threats to your system except for the rogue program. And second, buying the software will not protect your computer against existing or future risks. 

CyberSecurity is a clone of Total Security 2009 and is related to System Security 2009.  Most of these kinds of programs have one simple goal – to get you to buy the software suite as a whole. They can often use a variety of different methods in order to reach that goal, and to some users, those methods can prove a bit scary. These programs make it sound as if your entire machine is compromised, and if you use your computer for more than entertainment, that it scary. Luckily, learning about these programs can help you avoid any future problems from them or the fear associated with these problem programs.

Is CyberSecurity Installed in Your System?

When rogue antivirus programs enter your system, they typically lie dormant for some time.  During this time, you will not notice any changes, but the program is copying and burying itself in your system.  It evades detection by your security programs because it is not a virus.  When it becomes active, you will notice several changes.  The most prominent will likely be pop-ups.  These little ads are a favorite tool of CyberSecurity and other rogue programs. 

Warnings like the following are common:

WARNING CyberSecurity Alert!

New data base update is available

Automatic updating is necessary to get you [sic] system protected in real time against new and emerging viruses, worms, and tyoyans [sic].  Regular updating is needed to prevent you [sic] PC from latest virus threats that can lead to system slowdown, freezes, crashes and data loss.

Notice the errors; rogue programs are notorious for using incorrect syntax and grammar, so this is a sign to watch for.  CyberSecurity is hoping the majority of people will not take the time to read the message carefully and will react quickly.

You will also notice false security scans.  Before it is active, CyberSecurity creates random, harmless files.  During a “scan,” it finds these files and identifies them as security threats.  The scan results mimic those of legitimate security programs.  You will see “CyberSecurity” written in the top right corner, with a blue shield logo.  It will indicate that a scan has been run and that your computer is at risk.  You are given the option of removing the threats.  Remember, though, that these threats are nonexistent and opting to remove them with CyberSecurity will just result in a waste of money.

CyberSecurity launches itself whenever you start your machine, and it remains running anytime it is on.  A good way to check for a rogue program is to close all your legitimate programs and turn on your task manager.  If you notice your CPU usage is extremely high even when no programs are running, it is a good sign that there is a rogue program. 

In addition to these issues, CyberSecurity can hijack your web settings.  Trying to get to your homepage or navigate to a site will redirect you to a CyberSecurity site.  You will be urged to buy the program and enter your credit card information.  Never do this. 

If CyberSecurity remains in your system long-term, it is possible that it will affect your ability to use your task manager, registry editor, and other functions. This is to make it impossible for you to remove the program using these simple means.  To avoid system instability, it is best to remove this rogue program as soon as you can.

How Did CyberSecurity Get Installed On Your Computer?

There are a few routes that CyberSecurity can take to gain access to your system.  The most simple is if you install it yourself.  Many computer users see warnings and want to act immediately to protect their computer. They purchase the software only to find that there really is no protection. There is no difference between the “free version” that runs the false scans and the “full version,” which you pay for. The results are the same. 

But rogue programs can also enter your computer without your knowledge.  How is this possible?  They catch a ride in with a Trojan.  There are various kinds of Trojans, and any can bring in malware to your system.  Sites that feature adult content often have Trojans lurking.  But they also are known to hide on social networking and gaming sites.  Clicking on an ad or image or even simply visiting the site is enough to invite the Trojan in.  It is also common for Trojans to be bundled with freeware and shareware, particularly free videos.  The Trojan carries in CyberSecurity, and then the rogue program gets to work copying itself. 

To protect your computer, make sure to read all pop-ups very carefully.  Be cautious with scan results.  If you did not start a scan, then these results are false.  Know what security programs you have on your computer and become familiar with how their messages look.  This way, you can spot the rogues more easily.  Never click on these ads and be sure to close them using your task manager.  If you do have a rogue program on your computer, take immediate steps to remove it so your computer continues to function at its peak.

Article source: Expert Articles