Rogue security software

Rogue security software is a form of malicious software and internet fraud that misleads users into believing there is a virus on their computer and aims to convince them to pay for a fake malware removal tool that actually installs malware on their computer.[1] It is a form of scareware that manipulates users through fear, and a form of ransomware.[2] Rogue security software has been a serious security threat in desktop computing since 2008.[3] An early example that gained infamy was SpySheriff and its clones,[a] such as Nava Shield.

With the rise of cyber-criminals and a black market with thousands of organizations and individuals trading exploits, malware, virtual assets, and credentials, rogue security software has become one of the most lucrative criminal operations.

  1. ^ "Rogue Security Software » BUMC Information Technology | Boston University". www.bumc.bu.edu. Retrieved 2021-11-13.
  2. ^ "Symantec Report on Rogue Security Software" (PDF). Symantec. 2009-10-28. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-05-15. Retrieved 2010-04-15.
  3. ^ "Microsoft Security Intelligence Report volume 6 (July - December 2008)". Microsoft. 2009-04-08. p. 92. Retrieved 2009-05-02.


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