Security Shield is a variant of Win32/Winwebsec -- a family of programs that claims to scan for malware and displays fake warnings of “malicious programs and viruses”. They then inform the user that they need to pay money to register the software in order to remove these non-existent threats.

 

In mid to late January this variant of Win32/Winwebsec was observed being distributed via Twitter. A number of tweets were sent to users that contained a malicious link that directed them (via a redirector) to download a copy of the Security Shield variant of Rogue:Win32/Winwebsec.  

 

Special Note:
Rogue Antivirus programs 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. 

 

• Microsoft Security Essentials
• Windows Defender
• Microsoft Safety Scanner
• Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool

Essential Cleaner is a variant of Win32/Winwebsec - a family of programs that claims to scan for malware and displays fake warnings of "malicious programs and viruses". They then inform the user that he or she needs to pay money to register the software to remove these non-existent threats.

Win32/Winwebsec has been distributed with many different names. The name used by the malware, the user interface and other details vary to reflect each variant's individual branding. The following details describe Win32/Winwebsec when it is distributed with the name "Essential Cleaner".

Warning: Win32/Winwebsec may stop affected users from running all but a short list of specified applications. This may have an adverse effect on security applications that would otherwise remove this malware. If your antivirus scanner is unable to remove this threat because of this behavior, please see the additional removal instructions below.

MS Removal Tool is a variant of Win32/Winwebsec - a family of programs that claims to scan for malware and displays fake warnings of "malicious programs and viruses". They then inform the user that he or she needs to pay money to register the software to remove these non-existent threats.

Win32/Winwebsec has been distributed with many different names. The name used by the malware, the user interface and other details vary to reflect each variant's individual branding. The following details describe Win32/Winwebsec when it is distributed with the name "MS Removal Tool".

Warning: Win32/Winwebsec may stop affected users from running all but a short list of specified applications. This may have an adverse effect on security applications that would otherwise remove this malware. If your antivirus scanner is unable to remove this threat because of this behavior, please see the additional removal instructions below.

Personal Shield Pro is a variant of Win32/Winwebsec - a family of programs that claims to scan for malware and displays fake warnings of "malicious programs and viruses". They then inform the user that he or she needs to pay money to register the software to remove these non-existent threats.

Win32/Winwebsec has been distributed with many different names. The name used by the malware, the user interface and other details vary to reflect each variant's individual branding. The following details describe Win32/Winwebsec when it is distributed with the name "Personal Shield Pro".

Warning: Win32/Winwebsec may stop affected users from running all but a short list of specified applications. This may have an adverse effect on security applications that would otherwise remove this malware. If your antivirus scanner is unable to remove this threat because of this behavior, please see the additional removal instructions below.

Security Sphere 2012 is a variant of Win32/Winwebsec - a family of programs that claims to scan for malware and displays fake warnings of "malicious programs and viruses". They then inform the user that he or she needs to pay money to register the software to remove these non-existent threats.

Win32/Winwebsec has been distributed with many different names. The name used by the malware, the user interface and other details vary to reflect each variant's individual branding. The following details describe Win32/Winwebsec when it is distributed with the name "Security Sphere 2012".

Warning: Win32/Winwebsec may stop affected users from running all but a short list of specified applications. This may have an adverse effect on security applications that would otherwise remove this malware. If your antivirus scanner is unable to remove this threat because of this behavior, please see the additional removal instructions below.

Windows Defender detects and removes this threat.

Attentive Antivirus is a variant of Win32/Winwebsec - a family of programs that claims to scan for malware and displays fake warnings of "malicious programs and viruses". They then inform you that you need to pay money to register the software to remove these non-existent threats. It may also stop processes and services, modify security settings, and block access to websites.