Windows Internet Watchdog

Posted: April 1, 2014

Threat Metric

The Threat Meter is a malware assessment that SpywareRemove.com's research team is able to give every identifiable malware threat. Our Threat Meter includes several criteria based off of specific malware threats to value their severity, reach and volume. The Threat Meter is able to give you a numerical breakdown of each threat's initial Threat Level, Detection Count, Volume Count, Trend Path and Percentage Impact. The overall ranking of each threat in the Threat Meter is a basic breakdown of how all threats are ranked within our own extensive malware database. The scoring for each specific malware threat can be easily compared to other emerging threats to draw a contrast in its particular severity. The Threat Meter is a useful tool in the endeavor of seeking a solution to remove a threat or pursue additional analytical research for all types of computer users.

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.

Ranking:	1,399
Threat Level:	1/10
Infected PCs:	8,570

First Seen:	April 1, 2014
Last Seen:	October 16, 2023
OS(es) Affected:	Windows

Windows Internet Watchdog is a fake anti-malware product that derives money from a hoax that falsely implies that other PC threats are on your computer, and then requests that you pay for a premium version of its software to delete these threats. While Windows Internet Watchdog provides firewall-themed pop-up warnings along with fake 'system scans,' none of Windows Internet Watchdog's security features offer any real protection to your PC. Since Windows Internet Watchdog is estimated to be part of a family of scamware that's well-known for its ability to block necessary security utilities, malware experts recommend removing Windows Internet Watchdog without purchase and with the use of actual anti-malware tools.

A Watchdog that's Watching Your Wallet

As a new member of the FakeVimes family and very similar to members of families currently identified as Tritax, NameChanger or FakePAV, Windows Internet Watchdog is part of a group of one of the most frequently-updated and widely-distributed scamware groups to date. Windows Internet Watchdog continues all of the traditions of these families by creating fake 'security' pop-ups that pretend to detect threatening software on your computer, while simultaneously ignoring the attacks that are derived from Windows Internet Watchdog, itself. The most problematic of these is Windows Internet Watchdog's potential for blocking other applications, which Windows Internet Watchdog may use to deprive you of access to social media clients, safe Web browsers or general security utilities like Task Manager.

Whatever its incidental side effects, Windows Internet Watchdog's primary function is to display fake security information that barters you into spending money on its premium version. Though Windows Internet Watchdog claims that this version of its software can delete any PC threats Windows Internet Watchdog detects, no variant of Windows Internet Watchdog has any known ability to perform any real anti-malware functions. A safe reaction to Windows Internet Watchdog never should include purchasing Windows Internet Watchdog to suppress its pop-ups or other unwanted features, although malware researchers have noted that this family often is responsive to the free registration codes distributed throughout the Web.

Removing the Canine Defense System without Any 'Defense' in It

In defiance of all dissimulation to the contrary, Windows Internet Watchdog is a threat, rather than a security product, and should be treated as such. Any PC infected with Windows Internet Watchdog should be monitored for misleading pop-up warnings, particularly including fake firewall alerts or alerts that announce the presence of high-level threats. In all cases, you should attempt to corroborate these warnings by using reputable anti-malware products from legitimate companies, while also using these products to uninstall Windows Internet Watchdog. Because malware experts often find that members of Windows Internet Watchdog's family will try to disable such products, you can shut down Windows Internet Watchdog beforehand with any of various PC security techniques, such as booting through a USB drive.

Windows Internet Watchdog is one of many name changes seen of NameChanger Trojans, but Windows Internet Watchdog may include additional updates to its capabilities for aggression against your computer. Fully patched security tools may make the difference that allows you to respond to Windows Internet Watchdog appropriately. As for its fellow scamware, similar threats from the same family as Windows Internet Watchdog include, among others, Privacy Guard Pro, PrivacyGuard Pro 2.0, Extra Antivirus, Fast Antivirus 2009, Presto TuneUp, Windows Security Suite, Smart Virus Eliminator, Packed.Generic.245, Volcano Security Suite, Windows Enterprise Suite, Enterprise Suite, Additional Guard, Live PC Care, PC Live Guard, Live Enterprise Suite, Security Antivirus, My Security Wall, CleanUp Antivirus and Smart Security.

Technical Details

Additional Information

The following URL's were detected:

search.manualsdirectory-api.org/