Rogue antispyware or Suspect antispyware refers to antispyware software
of questionable value. Rogue antispyware may not be proven to protect
your computer from spyware, may popup fake alerts or create many false
positives about your PC being infected, or may use scare tactics to try
to get you to purchase the application. Rogue antispyware software may
be installed by a Trojan, come bundled with other software, or install
itself through web browser security holes. While it is fairly rare, some
rogue antispyware is created and distributed by known spyware or adware
companies, and the rogue antispyware may install spyware or adware itself.
Rogue Antispyware Tactics Typically, rogue antispyware has one or more of the qualities listed
below, which is why rogue antispyware is considered antispyware software
of questionable value.
False positives/fake alerts: Rogue antispyware may
produce a large number of false positives or use fake alerts, noting
that your computer is infected with spyware parasites or other threats
that do not really exist.
Copycat looks: Rogue antispyware may copy the look
and feel of other legitimate or Rogue antispyware applications. Often,
Rogue antispyware applications may appear as close clones of other Rogue
antispyware software.
High pressure marketing: Rogue antispyware may use
scare tactics or other aggressive advertising and marketing tactics
to try to trick you into buying the Rogue antispyware application. Often,
Rogue antispyware may produce false positives and fake alerts about
your computer being infected.
Poor detection/scan reporting: Rogue antispyware
may produce poor reports when it scans your PC. For example, Rogue antispyware
may say your computer is infected 11 parasites, but not specify which
spyware parasites or what type of parasites. Rogue antispyware may also
report that your PC is infected with SafeAndClean, but not tell you
which related files, DLLS, etc. were found on your computer.
Weak scanning/detection: Rogue antispyware may not
only poorly report on computer infection, but rogue antispyware may
also poorly scan your PC. Rogue antispyware may skip over important
folders and files of your computer that should be scanned to detect
spyware.
