AntiVirus Agent gives false alerts in the Windows task bar as pictured below. The fake alert advises users to update their installed antivirus program. If the user takes action by clicking on the message, it will try to trick the user into purchasing a separate program which is a rogue antivirus application. The rogue application is called Antivirus Studio 2010.
Type: Misleading Application
Name: Antivirus Agent
Website: Unknown
Risk Impact: Medium
Systems Affected: Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows XP and Windows 7
Behavior: AntiVirus Agent is a misleading application that may give exaggerated reports of threats on the computer.
The fake warning messages will contain the following:
This rogue was detected by MalwareBytes when performing a scan.
Automatic Removal
Download and install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. Make sure you update MalwareBytes after installation.
- Reboot your computer in SafeMode
- Right before Windows starts press F8 to enter into SafeMode.
- When your computer boots into SafeMode, launch MalwareBytes and perform a full system scan.
- Check and remove all threats found after the scan completes.
I recommend that you run multiple passes of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.
It’s important that you keep your security programs up to date. I highly recommend downloading the WOT (Web of Trust) add-on for IE and/or Firefox. The WOT add-on warns you about risky sites before you click.
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Got hit by something very similar the other day. Didn’t click on it but it kept reappearing even after a reboot. Finally got rid of it, what a pain. Thanks for the warnings Frank. You save people a lot of grief.
Jonathan,
I wish I had a crystal ball so I can warn everyone days ahead of this BS.
I just got this yesterday, its an aggressive bugger.
I thought it may have been genuine at first because the logo is very similar to ‘windows’, it wasn’t until i tried closing it down that i realised it was dodgy because it kept pushing me to buy the software!
The pop up’s are really alarming as well – telling me that if i don’t remove the virus i will be banned from the internet and its illegal etc…
i will try this tonight – thank you for the advice on removing it!
Dave,
Good luck and let me know if it works out.