Win32/FakeVimes
This family of rogue security programs pretend to scan your PC for malware, and often report lots of infections. The program will say you have to pay for it before it can fully clean your PC.
However, the program hasn't really detected any malware at all and isn't really an antivirus or antimalware scanner. It just looks like one so you'll send money to the people who made the program. Some of these programs use product names or logos that unlawfully impersonate Microsoft products.
Even if you do pay to "unlock" the app, it won't do anything because your PC isn't actually infected with all that malware it "found".
Different brands of the rogues may modify various settings on your computer, end or close programs or system services, or block access to websites.
We've seen the rogues use the following names:
- Advanced Antispyware Solution
- Antimalware PC Safety
- Antivirus Smart Protection
- AV Security Essentials
- Best Antivirus Software
- Best Virus Protection
- Home Malware Cleaner
- Home Security Solutions
- Internet Security Guard
- Malware Protection Center
- Smart Anti-Malware Protection
- Strong Malware Defender
- System Protection Tools
- Total Anti Malware Protection
Rogue:Win32/FakeVimes
Windows Defender detects and removes this threat.
See the Win32/FakeVimes description for more information.
MySecurityEngine
Reports of Rogue Antivirus programs have been more prevalent as of late. These are programs that generate misleading alerts and false detections in order to convince users to purchase illegitimate security software. Some of these programs may display product names or logos in an apparently unlawful attempt to impersonate Microsoft products.
SecurityMasterAV
Behavior:Win32/FakeVimes
TrojanDownloader:Win32/FakeVimes
Reports of Rogue Antivirus programs have been more prevalent as of late. These are programs that generate misleading alerts and false detections in order to convince users to purchase illegitimate security software. Some of these programs may display product names or logos in an apparently unlawful attempt to impersonate Microsoft products.