Fake antivirus attacks rise

Security experts are warning users to be on the lookout for a new rash of fake antivirus campaigns.

The rogue security applications disguise themselves as legitimate antivirus tools, often offering users false scans or creating pop-up windows which warn users that their systems are infected. Believing that the security program is legitimate, the user pays money for the phony software.

"Losing $50 for a fake program is bad enough, but victims should be worrying, though, about losing much, much more," wrote Trend Micro technical communications team member Macky Cruz.