Fake antivirus software

ICT has noticed a rising trend in recent computer virus infections, caused by ‘fake antivirus’ software, which appears as a web pop-up, when visiting a malicious or compromised website - see examples below.  The pop-up claims that the computer has a virus, which it will disinfect.  In fact, a real computer virus is actually installed.

This virus is proving very effective and is currently changing so quickly that legitimate antivirus software vendors (including Symantec) are experiencing difficulties in keeping abreast of the latest variants.  This typically means that antivirus definitions are becoming available up to 24-48 hours after the latest version of the virus is seen on the Internet.  If you do get infected, shut down your PC and contact the ICT service desk immediately.

It is especially important that staff and students are aware of the fake antivirus pop-ups, and are careful not to visit any suspicious links sent in emails or Facebook messages.  

Chris Roberts
IT Security Manager
Information and Communication Technologies
Imperial College, London
email: it-security-officer@imperial.ac.uk  
http://www.imperial.ac.uk/ict/