NortelAntivirus is a misleading application that reports false scan alerts. NortelAntivirus is typically first encountered when visiting web sites that try to lure you to download a free version of its software. Once a user downloads and runs a scan, it falsely reports errors on the computer. The program than tries to fool the user in purchasing the full license to remove the false errors.
It looks like many people were fooled into downloading this misleading application as indicated on Yahoo Answers.
Name: Nortel Antivirus
Publisher: nortel-antivirus.com (The site is currently down)
Risk Impact: Medium
Systems Affected: Windows 2000, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows XP
Behavior: NortelAntivirus is a misleading application that may give exaggerated reports of threats on the computer.
How to Remove NortelAntivirus
The following instructions pertain to all current and recent Symantec antivirus products, including the Symantec AntiVirus and Norton AntiVirus product lines.
- Disable System Restore (Windows Me/XP).
- Update the virus definitions.
- Run a full system scan.
- Delete any values added to the registry.
For specific details on each of these steps, read the following instructions.
If you do not have Norton Antivirus, you can download a free copy of Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware to remove this software.
It’s a shame that there are such dishonest folks out there. It’s no wonder people don’t believe anything businesses claim anymore. Thanks for the tip!
Hi Frank,
This is another insidious app that many are downloading. I had a play with it earlier in the week, along with a few others, and although the sites get taken down pretty quick, it’s only a matter of time before they reappear elsewhere.
Many of these are mimicking genuine apps, in this case Norton, but before downloading users should do a search and in most cases they will find removal instructions for each rogue they search for appearing first in the search results.
The criminals are getting better in their methods and some specifically disable all genuine security products, task manager internet connections and more. Some will also uninstall malwarebytes completely as part of the installation of the rogue application!
Users be warned – DON’T click! Research first :)
Colin,
It’s hard keeping up with these fake apps, but so far I have. I check the newly registered domains and you can tell pretty much what site will be the next in line to launch bogus software.
I have to interject, but, isn’t it kind of obvious that anyone likely to download “Nortel” isn’t going to understand those 4 basic instructions? It’s like giving English written instructions on how to see a site in Spanish!
I understand that this is probably so people can fix their friends computer and that a more detailed set of instructions is available, but it’s still ironic.
More than likely, this is why we provided a security alert to warn those who may not be too tech savvy.
That’s terrible.. If I didn’t look clearly might simply allow NortEl to invade my PC. Thanks so much for the heads up. Although I must say I’m amazed how smart they are to disguise into a prestigious app like Norton. Really misleading.
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Ching,
You are very welcome for the information!