As we’ve mentioned many times before, viruses and Trojans are very nasty things, but the chances that you’ll be infected by one of them are far less than the chance you’ll install a rogue software program on your computer. And if you think Rogues aren’t as bad as viruses and Trojans, keep in mind that most Viruses and Trojans can be removed and the damage they cause can be repaired, but Rogues can not only cause serious computer problems they can cost you money.
Most Rogues will popup on the Web while you’re surfing and display very realistic looking scan dialogs showing your computer is infected with all manner of bad things. This scares many users into downloading and installing the Rogue. Once installed, your computer won’t be yours anymore — most Rogues take over your computer — even your desktop – holding your computer for ransom.
Rouges will find hundreds of viruses and Trojans and malware on your computer that doesn’t really exist. But the graphics are so professional and Windows-like, many smart people have been tricked by them. Of course, once you’ve installed the Rogue, in order to remove all the viruses and Trojans and malware it finds (none of which really exist) you’ll have to pay $59, $69, even $99 to the company who created the Rogue software.
The first line of defense is you and your common sense. Anti-virus programs cannot stop you from installing a Rogue security program — as they mimic real software programs and are not viruses or Trojans.
Your common sense can be fortified by knowledge. If you know what a Rogue looks like, then you’ll be more likely to be able to make a quick and correct decision to not fall for such a scam.
So today, thanks to Microsoft, there’s a test available to see how good you are at telling a Rogue from a legitimate security program. If you’ve been reading this newsletter for a year or two or more – we are counting on you to get 100%.
So take the test right now by visiting
https://www.facebook.com/msftmmpc/app_236330836495399
Tell us how well you did!
Of course I made a hundred. I’ve been taught by the best in the business! Thanks TC and EB!!!
90%! The only one that I missed was the Windows Firewall one. Somehow it looked different. But then I am overly cautious!
TC&EB I wonder how many don`t get the 100%, yes I got the 100%.But again if people donot look properly they can be caught out.
Thanks to the wonderful work you do.
From hot and sticky downunder.
Like Brenda above I scored 100% and all thanks to TC and EB and all the knowledge you have imparted, thank you!
I got 100%
I got 100%.
I only got 70%
I got 70% will have to be more alert . Thank you for all the good info.
I got 90%. I’ll have to be more alert. Thanks.
i only got 80….work in progress…thank you for the test …some of them sure did look real.
I took the test and scored 100%. I did not download the Rogue as explained above. Mine came in an email that was a tracking notice for a package arriving from California. I, did indeed, have a Christmas package arriving from California, so therefore I assumed it was the tracking notice for my package.
Once I downloaded the tracking notice attachment to my desktop and clicked on it, the damage was done.
I immediately clicked on my Microsoft Security Essentials to begin a scan to stop it, but it was too late and of course, it took over my total computer.
Thanks to you both ,TC ,EB, 100%
I scored 90%… not too shabby, huh? 😉 Of course, I have two of the best teachers around! Thanks for all the great information you guys put out there for all of us. Please don’t ever stop…
Tried the test and would have got 100% only every time I ticked it as a “rogue” it wouldnt accept my answer, and so if I ticked “real” it told me I had given the wrong answer!!! So yes I got them correct!
Same as “Lee”.
When I decided that the
answer was “Rogue” I clicked on “Rogue”. When I clicked on “NEXT” an error came up: “Please select an answer above”….. but I had!
Nevertheless I dutifully clicked on “REAL” instead and it was accepted but later declared WRONG! So all my “REAL” answers were declared “WRONG”….. except the two that really were “REAL”!!
So……… I feel that my score was “REALLY” 100%!
but there’s something WRONG with this test!!
Andy I.
I got 70%. I was overly cautious!
I got 100%. None of the incorrect ones had the real name of the program. Reading is always the best solution, not to panic.
After Darcy worked on my computer yesterday morning. She was able to get my computer to go a little faster by changing my email over to Outlook Express. It was working fine until about 3:30 p.m. when all of sudden this rogue or whatever popped up called Systm Progressive Protector. It started to scan my computer and showed me what it found (I tried to get rid of it) but would come back and showed me that I could get rid of this by buying their software that whould get rid of it. I then knew it wasn’t true. It took me awhile to figure what I should do, because it would keep popping up. I finally got smart and used my Restore Point. It disappeared but also ran Microsoft Essentials and Malwarebytes plus SuperAntiSpyware it picked up after the scan a couple adware and I was able to get rid of this mess. Thank god I remember your advice. Today I have had no problems its been running great. I am glad I listen to you. Thank you
Yup 100% – thanks for all your guidance over the years! You guys rock and my 100% proves it!!