What Is Scareware? Identify, Remove, and Prevent Scareware

If you’ve ever encountered a pop-up warning out of the blue urging you to download antivirus software, you may have encountered scareware. In this article, learn what scareware is and how it manifests itself, as well as how to identify and prevent attacks to keep your personal data safe.

What is scareware?

Scareware is, in a sense, a kind of malware. It’s comprised of computer software that tricks users into believing their computer has been infected with a virus so that they purchase fake antivirus software or provide personal information to prevent further problems. Essentially, as the name implies, these cyber threats scare users into taking action that will actually harm them rather than protect them.

Deceptive advertisements, spoofed emails, or suspicious download links often spread these attacks to users. If users aren’t familiar with computer software and how computers work, they may be more susceptible to scareware or tactics like it.

How does scareware work?

Most scare tactic malware follows a pattern, making it easier to identify than other types of malware. First, the user starts to receive frequent popups warning them of dangerous files, security breaches, and infections on their computer or device. These attacks are successful because they look so similar to real, genuine security alerts.

The falsified alerts then prompt the user to take some sort of action, whether it be clicking a link or downloading files, in order to solve the problem. Because the user believes the alerts and popups to be real, they take the recommended action, unknowingly introducing scareware onto their device successfully.

How to identify scareware

Scareware is a rather broad term, but most attacks are hallmarked by at least a few of these four key signs.

1. Use of scare tactics. Though this may seem obvious, scare tactics work far too often when it comes to computer technology. Scareware relies on alarming messages or pop-ups to convince users that their computer is in danger unless they take action.
2. A sense of urgency. Scareware tries to force users to act by implying that danger is imminent if they don’t act immediately. They want users to buy fake software or provide personal information to fix the alleged problem immediately. If you feel pressured to act, it might be a scareware tactic.
3. Difficult to remove. Once scareware successfully installs malware onto a device, that malware can be quite difficult to remove. Users may not even realize that the malware is present until it starts causing problems later.
4. Inclusion of legitimate software or spoofed software. Many types of scareware include elements of reality in their attacks in an attempt to better fool victims. Sometimes scammers include legitimate - but altered - software, or sometimes they provide software that mimics legitimate companies to fool victims.

A scareware attack relies on deception to gain access to users’ personal information and computers. Users must remain alert and aware in order to best protect themselves from attacks.

How to detect scareware

There are a few common signs that victims can look out for in order to detect scare tactic malware before it affects them or before the attack spreads. Look for the following signs to indicate a scareware attack.

• Popup alerts or messages. These are the most common indicator of scareware. If you receive popups, invasive messages, or alerts you can't click out of on every screen, it's likely scareware.
• Poor device performance. If your device slows down or struggles to perform out of nowhere, it could be a scareware issue.
• Altered settings on your device. Some scareware can change your device's settings or install new software that you don't recognize.
• Loss of files or data. You may notice that you can't access or find files on your device. In many cases, malware destroys or hijacks files without your knowledge.

If you detect any of these signs, it's time to run an antivirus or antimalware scan to see if you have a problem.

How to remove scareware

Like other types of malware, the best way to remove scareware is with a strong antivirus or antimalware program. Use Norton360 or a similar program to scan your computer and remove all viruses and risky programs.

If you're not familiar with technology but have a malware infection, contact IT or tech support for your device to figure out your next steps. Once the malware has been removed from your device, make sure to stay up to date with all software updates and antivirus updates to prevent further infections.

How to prevent scareware

Preventing scareware is easier than trying to get rid of its effects after the fact. To protect yourself and prevent scareware attacks, follow these steps:

• Install reputable antivirus software. Installing reliable antivirus security software on your device helps protect against any viruses or malicious software that you download on accident. Update the antivirus program regularly to ensure you stay protected.
• Use caution when dealing with links. Because scareware scams often spread through links or downloads, make sure to check each link before you click on it. Don’t trust pop-up ads or unsolicited emails; they may contain spoofed links or sites as well.
• Keep your software updated. Make sure your operating system, browsers, and antivirus software all have the most recent updates and patches.
• Use ad blockers. Pop-up blockers help cut out unwanted ads and pop-up windows, which in turn can limit adware attacks.
• Stay educated and aware. Be aware of the types of malware online, and educate yourself on the tactics cybercriminals use in these attacks. Being aware and informed helps you avoid becoming a victim.

Types of scareware

Scareware by definition isn't a specific kind of malware. Cybercriminals use these social engineering tactics to scare users into purchasing fake programs, clicking malicious links, or providing personal information. However, certain types of malware often fall under this category.

Most ransomware can be considered scareware. In ransomware attacks, a victim’s files are encrypted and essentially held hostage until the victim pays the ransom to get the files back. Victims are forced to act out of fear and aren’t given the chance to properly consider their options.

Adware can also be considered scareware because it uses misleading tactics to trick users into clicking on unwanted ads or pop-ups, often leading to malware infections. These ads often track users’ online activity, invading their privacy and potentially leading to more stolen personal information or crimes like identity theft.

Spyware also falls under this category, given that it often leans on fear or paranoia tactics, monitoring and collecting users’ information without their express knowledge or consent. Once a user knows that they have spyware, it’s difficult to remove, causing further distress as the user is aware of the situation but unable to resolve it.

Scareware examples

Over the years, there have been several notorious computer scareware incidents. These three famous scareware attacks are examples of widespread incidents.

1. Antivirus XP 2008 - In 2008, the Antivirus XP 2008 scareware program began circulating itself among devices. It appeared as a legitimate antivirus program, warning users via pop-ups of malware infections and hidden viruses. The pop-ups urged users to buy the premium version of Antivirus XP in order to remove the viruses.
   However, the program was faulty and in fact malware in itself. Once installed, the program was difficult to remove and caused widespread damage to computers and computer networks.
2. Mac Defender – In 2011, a malware program called Mac Defender targeted Mac users in a similar way. It showed fake virus warnings and directed users to a fake support website, which asked users to enter their credit card information to buy the full version. The version, however, was the malware.
3. WannaCry worm attack – In 2017, a ransomware attack referred to as the WannaCry attack overtook hundreds of thousands of computers and encrypted their files. The computer worm then forced users to pay a ransom in bitcoin via intimidation tactics, which harmed both businesses and individuals.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between scareware and ransomware?

Though ransomware can in some cases be considered scareware, the primary difference between scareware and ransomware is that ransomware blocks access to your system or holds files hostage until a ransom is paid. Scare tactic malware, in general, does not; its goal is to get users to act, whether that be by downloading a program or paying money, out of fear.

How does scareware get onto your computer?

Scareware can get onto your computer in various ways, from pop-up ads to malicious links.