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Antivirus 10

Posted: January 2, 2017

Threat Metric

Threat Level: 10/10
Infected PCs: 37
First Seen: January 2, 2017
Last Seen: January 23, 2022
OS(es) Affected: Windows


Antivirus 10 is a rogue anti-virus program that delivers fake toolbar notifications, Windows alerts, and pop-up warnings, in addition to falsifying the results of its 'system scans.' While the threat urges users to protect their PCs by registering the product, there are no security benefits to doing so. Malware experts recommend loading any available, legitimate anti-malware program to remove Antivirus 10, which can block safe applications or expose you to corrupted websites until you uninstall it.

The Latest in Fake AV Products with an Extra Helping of Pop-Ups

While many threat actors are locking their victims' files behind encryption algorithms busily, others continue using scamware-based attacks that misrepresent the problem as being a protector. Rogue security software like Antivirus 10, in addition to endangering their users with misinformation, also can take drastic steps towards limiting some safety and interactivity features. However, while doing so, Antivirus 10 maintains its disguise of supposedly being a 'regular' anti-virus scanner.

Antivirus 10's distribution methods concentrate on either bundling Antivirus 10 with other applications through an obfuscated installation process or promoting the fake product in forum spam posts. When the victim installs it, Antivirus 10 begins generating a colorful range of pop-ups. Malware experts counted the following examples, all of which use different formats:

  • Toolbar alerts may claim that Antivirus 10 has detected viruses or other threatening software automatically. They also may imitate the Windows security alerts that warn about disabling your anti-virus protection.
  • Pop-ups from Antivirus 10 can include fake firewall notifications that its threat actor designed for resembling the Windows Firewall warnings. These messages include falsified detection warnings for Trojans with unauthorized network connectivity, reminiscent of a backdoor attack automatically.
  • Additional 'upgrade' pop-ups promoting Antivirus 10 may redirect the victim to its website and use the slogans of legitimate, unrelated security companies.
  • Other, miscellaneous 'system warning' style Windows error windows may claim that threatening software is compromising the system kernel or other, essential components of the OS.
  • One final type of pop-up attack exploits the system's default Web browser by loading domains associated with erotica or adult products.

Antivirus 10 supports all of its error messages with a fake system scanner that's preset to deliver inaccurate threat detection results, along with a visually-accurate imitation of the Windows Security Center.

Playing the Anti-Virus to the Latest Line of Fake AV Software

Malware experts find all attempts to 'cash in' on Antivirus 10's attacks via fraudulent registration and payment processing routing through the rogue AV scanner's websites. Since Antivirus 10 provides no real anti-virus functions or other protection, visiting the sites or providing either money or information to entities associated with them is heavily inadvisable. Victims are most likely of being endangered by Antivirus 10 after encountering its pop-ups imitating various, basic Windows services, thus tricking them into thinking that the product is a part of the operating system.

Antivirus 10 also poses a more direct threat to your PC's security than one might assume from its pop-up attacks. It closes any processes related to certain applications automatically, including alternative brands of Web browsers and utilities associated with system maintenance or anti-malware protection. If this Trojan or an associated threat blocks any applications required for disinfecting your PC or deleting Antivirus 10, you should reboot in Safe Mode or through an emergency recovery drive. Once Windows launches without the Trojan loading automatically, most modern anti-malware products should be able to remove Antivirus 10 when they scan your computer.

Antivirus 10 may be an example of con artists stepping up the social engineering techniques they use to compete with the campaigns of Trojans that cause clear and discernible damage to their victims. Whether or not it becomes a trend, PC users should stay well aware of the problems of assuming that anything that looks like a Windows notification is one, in fact.

Technical Details

Additional Information

The following messages's were detected:
# Message
1System Alert
Malware has been detected on your computer. Click here to protect your PC with Antivirus 10
2System Danager Warning!
Windows has detected virus infection! Somebody is trying to get access to your system files and steal your passwords! Prevent identity theft and remove viruses now (highly recommended
3System Warning Attention!
The security of your computer has been compromised! Microsoft Windows files are now corrupted. Malicious software, which can lead to irreversible damages to your hard drive have been found on your system! The destruction of important files in C:\\WINDOWS could lead to data loss, system errors and hard drive failure! Click YES to remove malicious software and protect your PC. (Recommended)
4Warning
This app has been blocked for your protection.
Windows has blocked the execution of this application to prevent further infections on your PC.
Program name: chrome.exe
Publisher: Google Inc
Status: Infected
5Windows Security
Alert Antivirus software is not activated. Your system is at risk now. Windows highly recommends you to activate your antivirus software to protect your system against malicious intrusions from the Internet.
6Your children catch colds. Your computer catches viruses. Protect your computer as if it was your own. Protect your system with effective antivirus solution. Powered by Antivirus 10.

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