The term ?rogue antivirus? is often a frightening one, but in the case of personal computers, this term simply refers to a piece of software that uses a variety of concerning tools to install itself on your machine or at least advertise its existence. Rogue antivirus programs work with computer users? fears of having their machines infected and damaged by a ?virus? that has somehow entered their system. The word ?antivirus? sounds like the antidote, or cure, to the problem. Rogue antiviruses, on the other hand, can often be the start of a computer user's problems.



Those who create problem programs like these change the techniques they use on a regular basis, but the signature is always to get the consumer to purchase the full version of the program. After all, if you think a piece of software offers genuine security for your machine, you will feel comfortable with the purchase process. Programs like these hope you'll do just that, but they never offer a solid solution to your security needs.

Some of the most recent rogue programs even go so far as to alter some of your original Windows files. By altering your Windows host files, if you try to visit a review site after you have installed the program, the authors of the software have altered the code to ensure that you will be redirected to a fake site during the process.

Defending Your Computer

The authors of programs like these have become so adept at their trade that many times the best thing you can do to protect yourself and your computer from the consequences they can cause is through research. Educate yourself about all the various software problems and solutions available, and think before you act. You should only buy software from reputable dealers that you can trust. Make sure you're dealing with a company that has a successful business history before you make a purchase. Often, rogue antivirus software web sites will look cheap or fairly simple in comparison to their genuine and authentic counterparts. In many cases, you can tell by visiting the company's home page whether you're dealing with authenticity, but that isn't always the case. Some companies are setting up a more professional-looking home page to confuse consumers, so be very careful.

Most security experts recommend at least a 3 part protection program that includes antivirus software, an antispyware solution, and a firewall. Ensure that your firewall stays on at all times.

In addition to researching companies and having the right components, you'll also want to keep your program lineup updated. Updates seem almost constant at times, but they are needed to ensure many of the rogue programs designed to take over the integrity of your computer are stopped before they cause a problem.

As you surf the web, your browser should alert you if you stumble upon questionable web sites. Pay attention to these alerts as many web sites you accidentally visit could end up causing your computer harm if they automatically download some questionable code into your computer. Additionally, you may want to keep up on the latest list of rogue antivirus program names from reputable sites that offer this service. Also, be sure to check your computer's security settings and make sure they are set to the maximum optimized level. You can't be too careful about the security of your computer. These rules to remember may help as well.

? NEVER click on any pop-ups that are advertising downloading antivirus software. ALWAYS keep your pop-up blocker turned on as it is designed to catch unscrupulous attempts at distracting you from what is legitimate and real. There may be some instances when you will need to turn the pop-up blocker off, but once you conclude that one certain project, turn the pop-up blocker back on again.

? DO NOT open any email attachments that you are not 100 percent sure of the legitimacy of the source.

? Likewise, NEVER download any advertised shareware or freeware that you are not positive comes from a reliable source.

? If a ?Virus Alert!? appears on your computer screen, DO NOT click on it or even scroll over it. Push your computer keys, Control + Alt + Delete to see the current list of programs you have running. If there are any that contain the word ?rogue,? delete them from the list and call your computer's manufacturer to get technical support assistance. Do this before continuing to operate your computer just in case there has been some contamination to your files.

Rogue antivirus software is not only questionable in its effectiveness, but some really will damage your computer. If you install rogue antivirus software, you are opening your computer, and your life, to hackers in some cases. That can often mean that sensitive information may fall into the wrong hands. A bit of caution, though, should help protect your computer.