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From an Email:
i have a question to ask you , my computer keep popping up anti-virus 2009 and saying i have two virus trying to get in but i’ve checked everything and and run every update and they all say i’m protected but that anti-virus 2009 want quit popping up so what do i do please help
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Antivirus 2009 is actually spyware (or malware) running on your computer. It is not a “virus” really, but rather tries to get you to purchase the premium version. It’s a scam. It will tell you that your computer is infected whether it’s true or not. Of course, it doesn’t protect you from anything.
If you click on it, it will typically try to redirect you to antivirus-premium.com, webscannertools.com or one of several other websites that are fradulent and malicious. Many of these sites have exploitative code that is capable of doing more harm to your system, especially if you use Internet Explorer.
Antivirus 2009 gets on your system the same way that it’s previous versions did – Antivirus 2008, System Antivirus 2008, Ultimate Antivirus 2008, XP Antivirus 2008, etc. They arrive via trojans such as Zlob or Vundo, which typically come in through bad video codecs or other installed software that was not safe.
Important: DO NOT INSTALL any software that you don’t absolutely trust. If in doubt, contact me.
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How to Get Rid of It
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You have to be careful when using software to get rid of malware. Many times software that advertises itself as helpful is really spyware also!
Download the following programs:
(1) CleanUp by Steven Gould
http://www.stevengould.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=29&Itemid=72
Install and run it to remove all temp files.
(2) Next, download and install MBAM
- Download, install it and update it.
- Then run the quick scan – this can take some time.
- When the scan is complete, clock OK to close the message box.
- At the main screen, click “Show Results”.
- Then click “Remove Selected”.
- Close the log and restart your computer.
When you are finished with the scan and have removed the files, restart your computer. Make sure you are running the latest version of AVG with updates installed. I’d suggest running a full system scan.
UPDATE:
This saga continues here: http://smartergeekcom.wpengine.com/blog/2008/12/myspace-and-antivirus-2009.asp