Security Scanner 2012
Posted: February 14, 2012
Threat Metric
The following fields listed on the Threat Meter containing a specific value, are explained in detail below:
Threat Level: The threat level scale goes from 1 to 10 where 10 is the highest level of severity and 1 is the lowest level of severity. Each specific level is relative to the threat's consistent assessed behaviors collected from SpyHunter's risk assessment model.
Detection Count: The collective number of confirmed and suspected cases of a particular malware threat. The detection count is calculated from infected PCs retrieved from diagnostic and scan log reports generated by SpyHunter.
Volume Count: Similar to the detection count, the Volume Count is specifically based on the number of confirmed and suspected threats infecting systems on a daily basis. High volume counts usually represent a popular threat but may or may not have infected a large number of systems. High detection count threats could lay dormant and have a low volume count. Criteria for Volume Count is relative to a daily detection count.
Trend Path: The Trend Path, utilizing an up arrow, down arrow or equal symbol, represents the level of recent movement of a particular threat. Up arrows represent an increase, down arrows represent a decline and the equal symbol represent no change to a threat's recent movement.
% Impact (Last 7 Days): This demonstrates a 7-day period change in the frequency of a malware threat infecting PCs. The percentage impact correlates directly to the current Trend Path to determine a rise or decline in the percentage.
| Threat Level: | 2/10 |
|---|---|
| Infected PCs: | 71 |
| First Seen: | February 14, 2012 |
|---|---|
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
Security Scanner 2012 (also identified as Rogue.Win32.SecurityScanner2012) is a variant of Security Scanner, a fraudulent anti-malware and system diagnostic product. Like its predecessor, Security Scanner 2012 will create warning messages and scan results that contain inaccurate information as part of its scam to persuade you to spend money on a registered version of its threat-removal features. SpywareRemove.com malware research team recommends that you treat Security Scanner 2012 with the same disdain that you'd give to its previous rendition, however, since Security Scanner 2012 can't find or delete any sort of genuine PC threat or other computer problem. Recent attack reports have indicated that scamware programs from the Security Scanner 2012 family are being distributed by Trojans that are themselves distributed by mass-mailed e-mail, and you may want to exercise care around unusual file attachments or email-based links for possible Security Scanner 2012 installation attempts.
Security Scanner 2012 – a New Reiteration of a Well-Worn Threat for 2012
Security Scanner 2012 appears to offer built-in update functions, privacy-protecting features and other functions that would be useful for safeguarding your PC from malicious software. This appearance, however, is skin-deep, and SpywareRemove.com malware experts have found that Security Scanner 2012, like its kin, doesn't make any attempt to detect real problems during its fake system scans. In fact, even the 'skin' that Security Scanner 2012 wears is an old and recycled template that's been used by other members of the Security Scanner 2012 family, most notably including Antivirus Security, System Security, AntiSpyware Pro 2009, Total Security, Total Security 2009, Security Tool, Trojan.RogueAV.a.gen, System Adware Scanner 2010, FakeAlert-KW.e, Advanced Security Tool 2010, System Tool 2011, MS Removal Tool, Antivirus Center, Security Shield, Personal Shield Pro, Advanced PC Shield 2012, Security Sphere 2012 and Futurro Antivirus.
Typical for rogue security scanners of its ilk, Security Scanner 2012 will launch itself via Windows Registry modifications and use its prominent startup placement to display fake alerts, warning messages and simulated scans. You should ignore information about your PC that Security Scanner 2012 provides, since warnings like the examples below are always baseless and not grounded in legitimate threat-detection technology:
System warning!
Continue working in unprotected mode is very dangerous. Viruses can damage your confidential data and work on your computer. Click here to protect your computer.
Security Alert!
Your computer is being attacked from a remote machine !
Block Internet access to your computer to prevent system infection.
System warning!
[WinWebSec rogue scanner's name] software detects programs that may compromise your privacy and harm your systems. It is highly recommended you scan your PC right now. Click here to start.
Tracking software found!
Your PC activity is being monitor. Possible spyware infection. Your data security may be compromised. Sensitive data can be stolen.
Prevent damage now by completing a security scan.
Virus infection!
System security was fount to be compromised. Your computer is now infected. Attention, irreversible changes may occur. Private data may be stolen.
Click here now for an instant anti-virus scan.
Severe system damage!
Spyware and viruses detected in the background. Sensitive system components under attack! Data loss, identity theft and system corruption are possible.
Act now, click here for a free security scan.
System Hijack!
System security threat was detected. Viruses and/or spyware may be damaging your system now. Prevent infection and data loss or stealing by running a free security scan.
How to Secure Your PC from the Security Scanner 2012 Bug
SpywareRemove.com malware analysts have discovered that newly created distribution mechanism for Security Scanner 2012 and other the WinWeb Security-based PC threats is through Trojans (such as TROJ_DOFOIL.GE) that are distributed in fraudulent e-mail messages that disguise themselves as invoices. Because TROJ_DOFOIL.GE has also been known to install spyware and other PC threats that should be considered high priority risks, it's recommended that you delete Security Scanner 2012 with an extremely thorough scan of your full computer. Booting into Safe Mode may also be necessary to allow access to suitable anti-malware software.
Other PC threats that are associated with Security Scanner 2012 and its fellow WinWebSec-based scamware products include Trojan.Win32.FraudST.at, the 'FDIC notification' phishing email, Mal/SEORed-A and Mal/FakeAV-PY. The above PC threats are all used to install Win32/WinWebSec PC threats, although they may also be configured to install other types of harmful software.
Spyware is dangerous, that secretly gathers information about a person or organization, keep your PC secure