Anti-virus programs are a great preventative step that computer users should install on their computer. Regardless of the Anti-virus developer (AVG, McAfee, Norton, Trend, etc…,) and the edition or type of program being used – Anti-virus programs are just a preventative step. Anti-virus programs can’t guarantee that you won’t get a virus. Anti-virus developers can’t give you this guarantee because viruses are continually being modified, updated, and created – which means Anti-virus developers are constantly behind the eight ball.

There are viruses that attempt to blatantly dupe the computer user. Viruses that try to dupe the user, often create a pop-up on your screen that says, something to the effect of; your computer is infected with ‘x’ viruses and ‘y’ Trojans. You are instructed to click ‘ok’ to remove the infected items or scan your computer further. This pop-up is the virus and by clicking ‘ok’ you are infecting your computer. Below is a screen shot of what one of these viruses looks like running after someone clicks ‘ok’ to run the scan.

It looks like a typical anti-virus program however it’s not – it is, in fact, a virus. Those who design viruses of this nature do their best to use comforting, known and trusted terms to get you to further install the virus. If you really look at the screen shot, you’ll notice that “Microsoft” isn’t anywhere on it, the Microsoft Windows symbol isn’t on it; instead they use a trusted Operating System from Microsoft to try establish this mythical connection of trust. The most malicious of these virus designers have even created websites where you are lead to believe you are purchasing some kind of anti-virus protection while in reality you have just bought and downloaded your very own virus.

There are many different versions of these viruses running around so here are a few things to keep in mind. Know if you have an Anti-virus program installed and what the name of it is. If you don’t know or can’t remember this and you get a pop-up you aren’t sure about, click the ‘X’ or ‘cancel’ option and get out of the questionable program until you can determine your computer’s current level of protection. If you accidently click ‘Ok’, turn your machine off and call a professional ASAP.