Scareware is a form of malware which uses social engineering to cause shock, anxiety, or the perception of a threat in order to manipulate users into buying unwanted software[1] (or products). Scareware is part of a class of malicious software that includes rogue security software, ransomware and other scam software that tricks users into believing their computer is infected with a virus, then suggests that they download and pay for fake antivirus software to remove it.[2] Usually the virus is fictional and the software is non-functional or malware itself.[3] According to the Anti-Phishing Working Group, the number of scareware packages in circulation rose from 2,850 to 9,287 in the second half of 2008.[4] In the first half of 2009, the APWG identified a 585% increase in scareware programs.[5]
The "scareware" label can also apply to any application or virus which pranks users with intent to cause anxiety or panic.
- ^ "What is Malware? | IBM". www.ibm.com. Archived from the original on 2023-12-07. Retrieved 2023-12-06.
- ^ "Millions tricked by 'scareware'". BBC News. 2009-10-19. Archived from the original on 2018-06-22. Retrieved 2009-10-20.
- ^ 'Scareware' scams trick searchers Archived 2017-08-10 at the Wayback Machine. BBC News (2009-03-23). Retrieved on 2009-03-23.
- ^ "Scareware scammers adopt cold call tactics". The Register. 2009-04-10. Archived from the original on 2018-02-10. Retrieved 2009-04-12.
- ^ "Phishing Activity Trends Report: 1st Half 2009" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 2012-04-15. Retrieved 2009-10-05.