Microsoft Warns: Security Essentials 2010 is Rogue

Microsoft is cautioning users not to download fake versions of Microsoft Security Essentials, which are similarly named to the original, but are in fact rogue. The original Microsoft Security Essentials is fully functional and free from Microsoft and without charge for all legitimately registered users of MS Windows.

Fake Antivirus Storms Internet, Duping Users

Rogue antivirus products are notorious for having similar names, appearances and functions of legitimate antivirus software in an attempt to coax unsuspecting users into doling out hundreds of dollars towards unnecessary, and often harmful downloads.

Therefore, it should come as no surprise that one particular rogue antivirus company is attempting to "hit the lottery" in tackling Microsoft and their popular Security Essentials software.

Microsoft recently sent out a warning to web users cautioning them against products that play on the term "Microsoft Security Essentials". More specifically, Microsoft is targeting one particular rogue program, calling itself "Security Essentials 2010". The difference is that the legitimate Microsoft version does not contain a date in the title. (Source: Internetnews.com)

How Fake Antivirus Programs Work

Fake antivirus programs typically start with a bogus detection "scanner" that reports many files on the PC are infected with malware, including Trojans and adware.

The Trojan singled out by Security Essentials 2010 is called "Win32/Fakeinit" and is coupled with a screen informing the user that the software is a trial version and that "removal and real-time protection features are disabled".

Users are then duped into downloading the "full version" of the program. Once the full version is downloaded, the Alureon rootkit is installed to the system. The Alureon rootkit a nasty Trojan that has been blamed for many Windows XP machines exhibiting blue screens and constant reboots. (Source: esecurityplanet.com)

Fake Security Essentials is Often "Trial-Based"

In addition to its fair share of misspelled words, Microsoft suggest that the biggest indication that a version of "Security Essentials" is a fake is in the "trial version" wording. Those familiar with the legitimate Security Essentials software should know that the complete version of Microsoft Security Essentials is available without charge.