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Classic tip · Security

Makers of fake security software settle lawsuit

The security fix has some news today on some bogus security software makers (the wolves in sheeps clothing as I tend to think of them...) Anyway, they're settling deceptive trade practice chargers th…

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Avery J. Parker

IT veteran, maker educator, and author of Network Ninja, 3D Printing Mastery, and AI Workflow Mastery. Business IT: Diversified Tech Solutions.

The security fix has some news today on some bogus security software makers (the wolves in sheeps clothing as I tend to think of them...) Anyway, they're settling deceptive trade practice chargers that were brought by the FTC. SpywareAssassin and Spykiller were facing a civil suit over their ads which invariably found infestations on a users pc and offered to clean it up for ~$30 or so.


These scary popups have encouraged many people to fork over money to clean up a problemt they never realized that they had.

The best advice is to never install something (especially security/antivirus/antispyware/firewall software) software related from a pop-up ad, or any other ad that is intended to scare you and designed for immediate action to solve a pending crisis on your pc. If you need antivirus/firewall/antispyware software you need to investigate potential programs. Look, read opinions on several different websites, including sites that deal with spyware or virus or other malware issues and inform yourself.

Be cautious of what you install on your PC.