Doctor, Doctor, What's Ailing Me? It Might Be Malware Doctor!

By: Wayne Davis
Submitted: 2009-06-25 12:20:32
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Lots of people are worried about computer security today, but there are several programs out there that suggest they can provide the security you need, yet aren’t able to live up to their claims. Malware Doctor is one of those programs, and if you find it is installed on your computer, your best bet is delete it as soon as possible.

What is Malware Doctor?

Malware Doctor is a rogue antispyware application. In most cases, it enters your machine thanks to a Trojan, usually something that is disguised as a video codec. Many security experts suggest this program is a clone of Malware Doc, and if it is installed on your computer, you’ll see several indicators to help you understand if this is indeed the problem.

One thing you may notice if this program is installed on your computer is an abundance of pop ups both while you’re online and while you’re offline as well. Most of the pop ups can take a number of forms, but there are two that you’ll see on a fairly regular basis. One type is the kind that resembles the Windows Notification Balloons that originate from your system tray (that area that is directly next to the clock on your computer). You may see these kinds of balloons when your computer starts. They help display important messages. When Malware Doctor is installed, though, you may get false warning notifications that look just like these authentic messages. They typically say something like “Security Alert” or “Virus Found”. They almost always suggest that you can update your computer’s level of protection simply by clicking on the bubble. That action, though, takes you to the home page for the program.

The other type of pop up advertisement that you may notice if Malware Doctor is on your computer looks just like a typical pop up you might get while you’re online. In this case, though, they can occur anytime your computer is on, not just while you’re online. Like the other type of pop up advertisement, they almost always display a security warning message and suggest that updating your protection by upgrading to the full version of Malware Doctor is the only option you have to solve the problem.

In addition to the advertisements you may see with Malware Doctor, you might also notice regular scans of your system. On a fairly usual basis, a scan window may pop up to tell you that you have a spyware issue on your machine. In most cases, this scan window looks rather authentic. You’ll almost always see the Malware Doctor logo and text at the top, and most security professionals report a grey background in the application window. Much of the screen is devoted to the scan window itself, but down one side of the scan screen, you’ll see lots of buttons for Scan, System Status, Options, Update, and protection. You may also see a spot where you can customize the scan. Any of the buttons you click on in this application, though, will lead you to the Malware Doctor website so you can purchase the full version of the program.

The actual scanner shows a progress bar, and while it is scanning your machine, you may see several file names pop up. Once it is finished, you get a warning notification that there are threats that compromise the integrity of your system. You also have a choice to remove these files by activating the full version of the program. Many of the files you see listed look pretty concerning. They do not, however, actually exist on your machine. The program is designed to find those files on every single computer it scans. The only way to stay safe from the programs it lists on your machine is to remove Malware Doctor and find a more reputable antispyware program.

Unfortunately, these are not the only indicators you may notice if Malware Doctor is present on your system. You may also notice that your browser settings have changed a bit. The internet pop up advertisements are typically your first clue, but in addition to those, you might find that you are often directed away from the actual pages that you want to view and sent, instead, to the home page for Malware Doctor, or a page that displays some sort of security warning. You may also find that your browser’s start page has changed, as have your bookmarks.

One final indicator that might tell you Malware Doctor is installed on your computer is that your machine runs more sluggishly than usual. This application, like many of its type, has been created to run as soon as you turn your computer on. That means that there are fewer resources for your computer to start applications you click on or switch between programs that you currently have running.

If you do find that Malware Doctor is installed on your computer, the best solution is to remove it at your earliest convenience.

Article source: Expert Articles