Home Malware Programs Rogue Anti-Spyware Programs Security Scanner 2012

Security Scanner 2012

Posted: February 14, 2012

Threat Metric

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.

One Comment

  • Jenita says:

    Spyware is dangerous, that secretly gathers information about a person or organization, keep your PC secure

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