How to Stop Operating-System Attacks
Your PC's operating system is under constant threat of invasion, whether the attacker's aim is to spread malicious malware or to convince you to buy protective software that is really just a rip-off. Here's how to stand guard.
Why You Should Care: Bogus security apps will take your money but won't clean your PC.
Scenario: Fraudulently advertised, ineffective antimalware ranks among the fastest-growing types of online scams. Products with names like DriveCleaner, WinFixer, Antivirus XP, and Antivirus 2009 are touted through online ads that simulate Windows alert messages, warning you that your computer is infected with some sort of malware and advising you to buy a particular antivirus product to fix it. Some purveyors of sham utilities embed warning messages directly into the Windows desktop, pop up messages from a System Tray applet, and install a program that generates a realistic-looking blue screen of death crash to convince you the problem is serious.
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Why You Should Care: Overconfidence may breed lax security practices among Apple adherents.
