Scareware is a type of malware that uses social engineering to trick users into believing their device is infected with a virus or other malicious software, and then prompts them to purchase and install software to remove the supposed threat. The software, which is often expensive and/or ineffective, is the actual malware. It is also known as “fake antivirus” or “rogueware.”
There are several steps you can take to protect yourself from scareware:
- Keep your operating system and software up to date: Many security vulnerabilities are discovered and patched regularly, so it’s important to keep your device and software up to date in order to protect yourself from known threats.
- Use a reputable antivirus program: A good antivirus program will help protect your device from malware, including scareware. Make sure to keep your antivirus software up to date and run regular scans.
- Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading files: Scareware is often spread through malicious links and attachments, so be wary of clicking on links or downloading files from unknown sources.
- Be suspicious of pop-ups and alerts: Scareware often uses pop-ups and alerts to trick users into thinking their device is infected. Do not click on any pop-ups or alerts that appear suspicious, instead, close them.
- Use a pop-up blocker: Many web browsers include pop-up blockers that can help prevent unwanted pop-ups and alerts from appearing.
- Educate yourself: Keep yourself informed about the latest types of malware, so you can be more aware of potential threats.
- Back up your data: Regularly back up your data, so that in case of a malware attack, you can restore your data.
