Rogue Security Software is on the rise! This software, also known as a Misleading Application, gives exaggerated reports of threats on the computer. It than fools the user to download the full license in order to remove the false security threats. TechJaws has published many security articles about these threats.
The makers of this software are promoting it through ad systems and trying to steal your hard earned money. It’s a get rich quick scam. Once they have enough money, they shutdown and move on to the next scam. Google and Yahoo are both indexing these Rogue Software websites as well. The site launches and disguises itself, until the site becomes indexed. Once it’s indexed in Google or Yahoo, they flip a switch and publish the Rogue Software.
How do you know if an ad is serving up Rogue Security Software? You need to investigate, by searching the legitimacy of the software before you make a purchase. There are a few places you can check by visiting the links below.
A list of Rogue Software and Misleading Applications:
- Symantec Risks – A comprehensive list of all Misleading Applications.
- WOT (Web of Trust) – My favorite place and security tool. It will warn you before you enter the website that’s trying to sell you Rogue Software.
- TechJaws Security Category – You will find many published articles about known Misleading Applications.
It’s important to do your research before purchasing any software. Be a smart shopper!
To get free Security Software visit http://freepcsecurity.co.uk/.
And don’t we know it! The fact that the search engines are allowing them to appear as genuine links shows that their only interest is money and no thought of safety to the unwary user who may click on these ads!
The crooks are very quick to change the product name or url, an instance I came across a few days ago when they wee rotating url’s frequently so as not to get caught out….good try, but not good enough :-)
Colin,
We talked about this and also I am editing my blog post to include your site as well. :) A little link juice!