Stop Before You Merrily Click Again…

We’ve seen a raft of viruses caused by clicking on web pop-up windows over the past few weeks.  While web surfing, unsuspecting victims were presented with a pop-up similar to the following image informing them a virus was detected on their computer, and to click to remove the infection:

A screenshot of a fake virus-bearing 'antivirus' utility, Antivirus 360

Following the instructions on the pop-up led to a virus download and infection, which in some cases required the reformatting of the entire hard drive to remove the virus.

Some of the most common fake ‘antivirus’ pop-ups include:

• Antivirus 360
• Antivirus 2009
• Perfect Defender
• System Booster 2009
• AV 2009

If you see any window pop up informing you your computer is infected with a virus, or is at risk, don’t click on it.  Close the window if possible by clicking the X at upper-right; don’t run any advertised scans or follow any instructions displayed in the pop-up.  If you believe you may have clicked on something in error and are concerned, call the OIT Help Desk at 426-4357, email us at helpdesk@boisestate.edu, or submit a request online 24/7 at Help Desk Self Service.

If you’re using a University-owned computer running Microsoft Windows, you have Symantec AntiVirus installed, and have no need of an additional antivirus utility.

For personal computers, the University offers free Symantec AntiVirus software for faculty and staff; stop by the OIT Help Desk in Capitol Village to pick up a copy.

What else can you do to avoid such pop-up windows?  Use Mozilla Firefox.  Firefox has a built-in utility that automatically blocks pop-up windows.  Also, if you do see a pop-up window, don’t click on it to get it out of the way.  Close the window, or exit your web browser.

Practice safe computing; always think before you click!