Internet Antivirus Pro: A Rogue By Any Other Name

One of the wonderfully useful inventions of the internet age is the pop-up blocker. These filter out these irritating ads so we can browse websites without interruption. If you suddenly receive an influx of these intrusive little pop-ups, then it may indicate the presence of a rogue antivirus program. Pop-ups are a favorite tool of programs like Internet Antivirus Pro. How can you recognize this program as a rogue, and what should you do to keep your system running at its peak?





What is Internet Antivirus Pro?





Typical of other rogue antivirus programs, Internet Antivirus Pro launches itself each time you begin a new Windows session. It goes through the motions of running a scan and lists infections it has found. However, the scan is not a true scan. It does not really search your computer for viruses it is only a display. Likewise, the infections found are those created by Internet Antivirus Pro. They do not exist and only serve to strengthen the claims of this program that there are severe security risks in your system. Remember that the goal of this program is to get users to buy the full version. Purchasing it, however, does nothing to protect your computer. This program is ineffective, as well as expensive. Internet Antivirus Pro is also known as Personal Antivirus, General Antivirus, Internet Antivirus Pro 2009, or InternetAntivirus Pro 2009.





Is Internet Antivirus Pro In My Computer?





Pop-ups are the favored tool of programs like Internet Antivirus Pro. These are particularly convincing because of the similarity to legitimate antivirus programs. Each time you start a Windows session, Internet Antivirus Pro will launch a scan and find several infections. First, the scan is a display only. It does not really search your computer. Second, the infections are either made up or they are necessary files. It is strongly recommended that you never purchase this program or others like it because they do not deliver on their promise of protecting your computer. When you see pop-ups, always scrutinize them. Those of Internet Antivirus Pro appear legitimate. A typical one shows the name and a logo of a shield in front of the Earth. The shield resembles that of the legitimate AVG program.





The text is designed to do two things: convince users of security problems and appear to be from reputable programs. Look at the following examples:





Spyware Protection is disabled. Your personal data is at high risk of being stolen or misused. Click Enable to left system detect spyware threat and protect your personal information.

Security Level: Low





And:





Windows Security Center

Windows Security Center reports that Internet Antivirus Pro is turned off. Antivirus software helps to protect your computer against viruses and other security threats. Click here for the suggested actions.





It achieves its goals. It plays on the fear of private or financial information being stolen, and it gives the illusion that it is connected to Windows Security and Microsoft.





Other signs that point to Internet Antivirus Pro are:





* Slowed functioning. Internet Antivirus Pro uses a lot of your available resources for its own purposes. This diverts power away from your programs, making even routine tasks much slower.
* Changed browser settings. Internet Antivirus Pro often replaces your homepage with one of its own sites, urging you to protect your computer with its software.
* New icons or desktop shortcuts. The purpose of these is the same: to get users to click on them and buy the software.





Microsoft recently issued an updated patch that is able to detect Internet Antivirus Pro. If your legitimate antivirus scan or security program indicates that it has been found in your system, you should take immediate steps to remove it.





If I Didnt Install This, Why Do I Have Internet Antivirus Pro?





The most obvious way that Internet Antivirus Pro enters a computer system is that the user chooses to download. Faced with near-constant warnings of severe security risks, many opt to try this solution. Unfortunately, Internet Antivirus Pro does not provide a solution to the problems you may be facing.





This program, however, does not necessarily need your permission to enter your computer. It is usually carried along with a trojan, such as Zlob or Vundo. These are found on websites, including those with adult, gaming, or pirated content, as well as those that employ file sharing. Free videos are also known for harboring trojans, particularly Zlob, which is disguised as a video codec. Visiting these sites, clicking on ads, or downloading media may invite the trojan in, unbeknownst to you. The trojan then installs malware, including Internet Antivirus Pro. This is why clicking on any Internet Antivirus Pro ad or warning message can result in the program downloading itself on you computer.





What Do I Do If I Have Internet Antivirus Pro?





It is recommended that you remove Internet Antivirus Pro as soon as you notice the signs. If it is allowed to remain in your system, it may cause greater instability and also signal other trojans to enter. These bring other forms of malware with them, which can result in more security issues. Remove this program as soon as possible to keep your computer running in top form.