Security Tool: One Multi Tool You May Not Want To Invest In

Unusually slow computer performance, increased pop-up ads, and changed browser settings point to the presence of a rogue antivirus program in your system. These programs aim to persuade computer users to buy their software in order to resolve security threats. These threats, though, are created by programs like Security Tool and the software will offer no protection.


The Rogue Security Tool


Rogue antivirus programs share the goal of convincing computer users that their protection is needed in order to resolve severe infections and threats. They do this by using names that convey security, such as Security Tool, and by creating the illusion that there are security threats that need attention. Security Tool is a typical rogue antivirus program and is closely related to System Security and Total Security 2009. Its main tools are pop-ups and false warning scans. These scans claim to find dozens of infected files. The only solution? To buy Security Tool, of course. But the infections this program claims to find are as fictitious as the protection it offers consumers. Ultimately, purchasing the software will not resolve any existing issues, nor will it protect your system against future threats.


One of the biggest issues with this program and the many others like it online today is that it can scare beginning users with its sales tactics. Because theyre often so persuasive, many end up clicking to purchase the whole version of the program, and as previously mentioned, thats not the best possible solution. There is one good solution, though. A solid understanding of how this program and the many others like it function gives many users a sense of security to help deal with them as they occur.


Signs of Security Tool Installation


Fortunately for computer users, it is relatively easy to spot a rogue antivirus program if you know what to look for. Security Tool behaves typically of these programs, so it is important to recognize the signs it has been installed. Since the ultimate goal of the rogue program is to persuade you to buy its software, Security Tool will direct you its website as often as possible. To further this objective, it installs desktop shortcuts and system tray icons. If you click on them, it directs to the website with renewed urgings to fix your security problems by purchasing the full edition.


Your browsers start page may also be replaced by one promoting Security Tool. Even if you restore your normal start page, the replacement will be displayed the next time you start your computer. You may also have trouble navigating to websites because you are being diverted to the Security Tool site.


You will also see an influx of pop-up ads that appear to be warning messages and scan result windows. One you may see reads:


Security Tool Warning
Spyware.IEMonster activity detected. This is spyware that attempts to steal passwords from Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Outlook and other programs. Click here to remove it immediately with SecurityTool.


The language of this alert is designed to prompt immediate action. No one wants their passwords compromised, which could expose their financial and personal information. But again, this is a false warning, and your passwords are not at risk.


Security Tool launches automatically whenever you start your computer. It will generate a pop-up that mimics a scan result window. These can look remarkably similar to those issued by legitimate security programs, so take the time to read it thoroughly before acting. You can distinguish Security Tool from your own security program by simply looking at the name. It is clearly written at the top of the scan result page, accompanied by a shield symbol.


What about those files it finds? Are they really corrupt as the scan results indicate? Security Tool cannot scan your computer. The files it has found are actually ones that it has created itself. It then uses them to create the impression that there are multiple threats to your system.


These kinds of pop up advertisements take many different forms on your computer screen. They may look like very typical pop up ads. They may, however, also look like fairly official Windows messages. Some of them might even look like the Windows Notification Balloons that often appear next to the time on your computer. It is this ability to mimic the legitimate messages your computer sends that scares so many users, but once you understand that almost all of the messages will redirect you to the Security Tool site, youre more likely to understand that this is just a minor problem that must be dealt with.


How Does Security Tool Enter a Computer?


Rogue antivirus programs can be very effective, and many computer users opt to purchase the software programs because they believe it will protect their systems. In this way, the program is installed directly.


It can also be installed indirectly and without your permission via Trojans. Trojans can be picked up at any number of sites, but those that are particularly susceptible are adult, gaming, warez, social networking, and gambling sites. Free video downloads are also often vulnerable to Trojans. It is possible that Security Tool entered your computer through a Trojan that was disguised as an Adobe Flash update or through a Trojan called Zlob that masquerades as a video codec. Whatever the case, the Trojan allows malware to access your system.


It is possible for Security Tool to disable your registry editor and task manager, which impedes efforts to remove it. If left in your system, this rogue antivirus program can cause great instability and create a door through which other forms of malware may enter. If you have noticed your computer is operating slowly and that you are being flooded with pop-ups, make sure that you remove the rogue program that is causing them.


It is important to note that Security Tool cant be captured with your current antivirus solution. It is not a virus. Installing a good security suite, though, may help.