Fake security software, also known as “rogue”, appear to be helpful to you since it is detecting harmful viruses on your PC and is giving you the option to remove whatever it detected. However, fake rogue security software, such as WinAntiSpyware, Antivirus 2009, Antispyware Pro XP and AntiVirus Lab 2009 does not help at all with removing viruses or spyware and only makes your computer worse! So how can you protect your computer from these fake antivirus programs?

Here’s the deal. You’re surfing the internet minding your own business, when all of a sudden you get a pop-up out of the blue claiming you have a virus. This is your first sign that this is a fake anti-virus program! Now if you already have an anti-virus program, you should know the name of it, right? Right! So if you have McAfee, you should get a McAfee pop-up and not “Antivirus Pro 2009”. Be careful of what you click!

Q. What if I get the pop-up? What do I do? How do I avoid getting the virus from the fake antivirus program?

Simple: do NOT click it under ANY circumstance! Don’t even attempt to click the “X” to close it as that could still install the virus. The most safest way to avoid getting this virus is by immediately shutting down your PC. When you start your PC back up, immediately do a virus scan with your legitimate antivirus software. If you don’t have an antivirus already installed, here are five free ones.

Q. I already clicked it! What do I do now?!

If you have already installed the fake antivirus program, it might be difficult to remove as the makers of these rogue programs have become smarter. I recommend not logging into any of your personal accounts such as Facebook or your bank while you have this virus! Here are some things you can try:

1. Try uninstalling the program from Add/Remove Programs in your Control Panel. Look for anything related to Antispyware 2009 or similar. Reboot your PC in Safe Mode and immediately do a virus scan. Reboot in normal mode and look for any more pop-ups
2. If you still get the fake antivirus pop-ups, Hit Ctrl+Alt+Del, open up Task Manager and look for Antispyware 2009 or similar. Click it and select “End Process”. After you do this, repeat step #1.
3. If you still haven’t been able to remove the rogue antivirus program, contact me. I can help you with more advanced steps that only a professional should walk through with you. I have removed plenty of these programs and I’m sure I can assist you :-)