What is scareware? Scareware is a type of malware cyberattack that scares a person into visiting an infected site and downloading malicious software. Scareware works by claiming to have detected an issue or virus on a device and directs the user to buy or download malicious software to rectify the problem. Scareware is basically the gateway to a more sophisticated type of cyberattack and not really an attack in itself. Read on to learn how to avoid scareware.
How is scareware used?
Scareware is more commonly used as part of a multi-prong attack which incorporates spoofing and social engineering techniques to heighten the sense of fear and urgency the user must take to download the malicious software. In effect, the victim is scared into taking action, hence the term scareware. Like many forms of malware, scareware attacks are becoming increasingly problematic because the malicious actor is able to gain access to the user’s credit card details or account information, which can put the victim at risk of fraud.
How to avoid scareware
Scareware attacks can come in many different guises, but the main methods of delivery are through pop ups and emails. So, when people ask what is scareware? Here’s a pretty good indicator of what to look out for and how to take action:
Watch out for pop ups
The most common way for scareware attacks to begin often start with a pop up advert that looks like a legitimate security software provider or operating system. If the victim clicks on the link, the scareware ad will direct them to an infected website where they are given additional instructions to solve the supposed problem that they visited the site for in the first place. The victim may be prompted to install a new program or tool, run a computer scan, uploading credit card information to continue the recovery process, enter log-in credentials for more information, or more. Any of these steps may result in the victim unknowingly downloading malicious programs, such as ransomware, malware, a Trojan, spyware, or a virus, onto their device.
Be careful of suspicious emails
Scareware attacks can also be conducted via email. Malicious actors tend to disguise themselves as a fake antivirus software program, then send an urgent or high-priority email that requests immediate action by the victim. Clicking the links within the email, which are often presented as ways to scan the system or resolve the threat, result in the user downloading and installing infected files, malicious programs, or code.
Use scareware removal tools
Scareware pop-up adverts and scareware alerts are a sign that a computer has been infected with some form of malware. Removing scareware and any other type of malware involves using a third-party removal tool that completely eliminates all signs of the virus while re-enabling the antivirus software the scareware bypassed to carry out its attack. It’s also important to ensure that all computers, devices, and software have the latest security measures and patches included from the software provider along with any anti-malware software tools.
What is the difference between scareware & ransomware?
There is very little difference between scareware and ransomware attacks.
In fact, scareware can be bracketed in with ransomware attacks because the malicious actor’s end game is to have the user download ransomware software. A type of malware, ransomware denies access to a user’s system and personal information and will only restore access once a payment has been made. However, although some scareware attacks can lead to ransomware attacks it’s not always the case. Other scareware attacks can become more of a nuisance than anything else – taking up precious time and resources to clear them from a system.
Scareware examples
There are many different types of scareware attacks cropping up day in and day out, but the most damaging have been outlined below. Let’s take a closer look at what is scareware:
Covid-19 tech support scams
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the increase in remote workers fuelled a rise in technical support scams across the United States and Europe. Tech support scams use a variety of delivery methods including pop-up warnings, phone calls or redirects; targeting people who may not be adept or versed in the way remote working works. The key to tackling these types of threats is by educating staff on what they should be looking out for to avoid a scareware attack.
False antivirus software alerts
False antivirus software alerts have become commonplace in my areas of the internet and most of us have come across at least one during our lifetime. At best, they’re a hindrance and an irritation while on the flip side, they pose a real threat to our data and computers. Most false antivirus alerts are aimed at scaring the victim into clicking on the link. The irony here is that before you click on the link, your computer will be free of any viruses but once the link has been clicked, the computer will be infected. Unless there is already antivirus software running on the computer, every virus alert that pops up will be fake. If there is AV software running, the only accurate alerts will be displayed in a window by your software provider. Browser tab or web page pop-ups are always fake.
False blue screen of death
False blue screen of death messages can be very irritating on their own but when they are accompanied by a computerised voice making claims about viruses or errors on your computer, they can become extremely alarming. However, there are many tell-tale signs to indicate when they are false or fake. Firstly, if you look at the blue screen, you can tell that it is clearly within an internet browser, which means the computer is still running. In every legitimate case, a blue screen is a complete crash of the computer itself or its operating system, which means everything else on the desktop would have closed before it can be displayed. It also prompts readers to call a support phone number which a legitimate blue screen does not. The false blue screens are also deigned pretty poorly and can be littered with errors and typos.
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RiskXchange can help you identify your organisation’s most significant malware threats, including scareware and ransomware, and implement the ideal anti-malware solution. Don’t hesitate to get in touch today to schedule a free attack surface assessment and begin strengthening your company’s cyber security posture.
Scareware FAQ
How do you identify scareware?
Scareware tends to follow a pattern. At first, pop-ups will appear that warn users of dangerous files that have been detected on the user’s device. These pop-ups will try and replicate the logos and layout of legitimate security software ads to produce convincing alerts, but there will be subtle differences. Another key feature is urgency. Threat actors will attempt to convince users that the supposed problem requires immediate action and then prompt them to install the program onto their device as quickly as possible. No legitimate business will take such an aggressive approach. The key is to educate yourself or your staff on what to look out for and remain vigilant at all times.
Get in touch with RiskXchange to find out more about scareware and how best to secure your business.