Cybercrims' scare tactics to force rogue software buys

Peter Dinham
Tuesday, 20 October 2009 05:35

Business IT - Security

Stephen Trilling says that to increase the likelihood of fooling users, rogue security software creators design their programs so that they appear as credible as possible, “mimicking the look and feel of legitimate security software programs.”

“In addition, these programs are often distributed on websites that appear credible and enable the user to easily download the illegitimate software.  Some malicious sites actually use legitimate online payment services to process credit card transactions and others return an e-mail message to the victim with a receipt for purchase – complete with serial number and customer service number.”

Trilling concludes that the findings of the report on rogue security software “make it clear that cybercriminals are willing, eager, and well-equipped to prey on today’s Internet user,” and that “to avoid becoming a victim of such predatory practices, Symantec strongly urges Internet users to make sure they are using the latest security protection and always obtain their security software directly from trusted vendors’ websites.”