EMZETT.Fake antivirus
In short: A fake antivirus (also scareware) is a program or website that pretends to have found viruses in order to scare you and get money or access.
In more detail: Typical are pushy windows like “Your PC is infected with 5 viruses!”, often with an alarm sound and a phone number. There is no real scan behind it. The goal is fraud.
In Depth
What is behind it
- You are meant to buy useless software or take out a subscription.
- You are meant to call a hotline (tech-support scam) and give the scammers remote access or pay.
- The “program” is itself malware.
Recognising it
- Messages in the browser that cannot be closed, or full-screen pop-ups.
- Urgent pressure, threats and a demand for payment.
- The message comes from a website, not from your installed virus protection.
Reacting correctly
- Do not call, click or pay anything.
- End the browser via the task manager and do not choose “restore tabs” on restart.
- If you installed something: uninstall it, scan with a real antivirus and change passwords from a clean device.
- If you paid: inform your bank or card company immediately. If someone had remote access, disconnect the device from the network.