The bogus security software programs often offer a free scan that falsely says a user’s computer is infected. If installed, the programs are ineffective against malicious software. Security experts have theorized that those behind the programs reap lucrative profits.
Microsoft detected two Trojan horse programs, Win32/FakeXPA and Win32/FakeSecSen, masquerading as security software on more than 3 million computers in the last six months of 2008, according to the company’s Security Intelligence Report, published every six months. Microsoft: Rogue ’security’ software a rising threat – Network World
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