AVG 2015 Downloaded without my permission - Could it be fake?

[DeanWin7]

This morning I looked up at my screen to find a message telling me that AVG 2015 has successfully installed with it's control panel showing, icons and their webpage displaying on my browser...

I immediately tried to run System Restore. The only restore date I have is yesterday... I restored it to yesterday but the AVG program files remain. I tried again in safe mode but no luck.

I am wondering if it is some sort of malware program posing as AVG. I did have a 2011 version but I stopped using it and I didn't ask it to install the 2015 version. (I have been using another program instead which I just deleted a few moments ago.)

How can I tell if this is genuine or malware?
Thankyou

 

[Alejandro85]

Having an older version installed can be a good source for the new installation, many programs love autoupdating themselves without user knowledge or consent (though often there is the option to disable this "feature"). That could count as a legit source for it. It doesn't matters if you actually use it or not, specially for antiviruses that inject themselves all around in the system, a small service left running is enough.

It's also a possibility of it being some sort of malware disguising itself as an antivirus. Often those come from false advertising in websites or come bundled in an otherwise legit software, as "optional offers" that are nothing but crapware. Inadvertently accepting one of those is a common way to get nasties in.

But now for the important thing, how to realize if it's legit or not. One way I know is to look at the digital signature of the executables. Open the program file's folder and look for it's .exe. Open its properties and go to its "digital signature" tab (lacking of one most likely means it's bad) and review the certificate details you see there, where it says who emitted the certs and to what company. Virus writers often don't sign their programs and those who do never sign them in the name of companies that write antiviruses.

 

[MrRoundel]

FYI: I just got the same notice, and saw that my AVG icon had turned to "2015". I didn't give it permission, and did not allow for automatic updates. The new user agreement specifies that you must allow auto-updates and such. Obviously, not allowing didn't mean much, did it?

I've liked AVG in the past, but was using an older version because I preferred it. As we all know, what we prefer, want, etc., means nothing in today's software world. With the new cloud-based stuff, it'll be even worse. I'm rather sick of it, and am thinking a lot about leaving the grid.

Decisions, decisions...

 

[Layback Bear]

To me it's simple.
Anything that installs on my systems without my permission is malware or worse.
I don't care what it is called.

AVG would be gone completely. The last thing I need is a security program playing game with my systems.

 

[MrRoundel]

Yes, I did uninstall the AVG a while ago. CCleaner's uninstall tool wasn't able to do it, but the Windows 7 system tool did. I don't take kindly to this type of cyber-bullying either. Cheers.

 

[DeanWin7]

Having an older version installed can be a good source for the new installation, many programs love autoupdating themselves without user knowledge or consent (though often there is the option to disable this "feature"). That could count as a legit source for it. It doesn't matters if you actually use it or not, specially for antiviruses that inject themselves all around in the system, a small service left running is enough.

It's also a possibility of it being some sort of malware disguising itself as an antivirus. Often those come from false advertising in websites or come bundled in an otherwise legit software, as "optional offers" that are nothing but crapware. Inadvertently accepting one of those is a common way to get nasties in.

But now for the important thing, how to realize if it's legit or not. One way I know is to look at the digital signature of the executables. Open the program file's folder and look for it's .exe. Open its properties and go to its "digital signature" tab (lacking of one most likely means it's bad) and review the certificate details you see there, where it says who emitted the certs and to what company. Virus writers often don't sign their programs and those who do never sign them in the name of companies that write antiviruses.

Thanks Alejandro, there were 4 or 5 executables in there and I looked at each one and they all look legitimate... or someone has gone to a lot of trouble to create them - I don't know how that works... So I guess I will use it for a while and then purchase another brand as I no longer have any respect for AVG they have just become what they are supposed to be protecting us from. Hopefully there is a virus checker that can clean AVG entirely off my computer as I have read that it is virtually impossible.

 

[DeanWin7]

To me it's simple.
Anything that installs on my systems without my permission is malware or worse.
I don't care what it is called.

AVG would be gone completely. The last thing I need is a security program playing game with my systems.

I agree, I was just saying that I no longer have any respect for AVG they have just become what they are supposed to be protecting us from. Hopefully there is a virus checker that can clean AVG entirely off my computer as I have read that it is virtually impossible.

 

[DeanWin7]

Yes, I did uninstall the AVG a while ago. CCleaner's uninstall tool wasn't able to do it, but the Windows 7 system tool did. I don't take kindly to this type of cyber-bullying either. Cheers.

Thanks for the tip... would you be kind enough to point me in the right direction of this tool as I want to destroy this AVG turned traitor.

 

[DeanWin7]

FYI: I just got the same notice, and saw that my AVG icon had turned to "2015". I didn't give it permission, and did not allow for automatic updates. The new user agreement specifies that you must allow auto-updates and such. Obviously, not allowing didn't mean much, did it?

I've liked AVG in the past, but was using an older version because I preferred it. As we all know, what we prefer, want, etc., means nothing in today's software world. With the new cloud-based stuff, it'll be even worse. I'm rather sick of it, and am thinking a lot about leaving the grid.

Decisions, decisions...

I moved somewhat off the grid a year ago for the same reason... the computer world is following in the footsteps of they typical corporate world - force people to part with their money and blow the laws and rules...

 

[MrRoundel]

I am no expert in such things, but I just used the "Uninstall" section of Windows. I went to "Programs", selected "AVG Antivirus", and hit "Uninstall". It seemed to get rid of what I could see anyway. A few other AVG remnants remained, but they were something called "Visual Studio Redistributables". I saw that they too had updated yesterday morning, probably at the same time the AV software installed, rather surreptitiously, I might add.

When I tried using the uninstall tool in my CCleaner program, it didn't seem to work.

Perhaps someday we "slaves to the machine" will become aware, and break the bonds. Time will tell. But if people think that corporations have no conscience, wait until the machines are fully running the show. Lotsa' luck.

BTW: I don't have anything more against MSFT, than I do against any other IT/Software company. That said, on Windows Updates, I can't help wondering how the categories below can generate 32MB of data. This is what was uploaded during the time that 600MB was downloaded in a recent update.

What type of information is sent to Microsoft during the update process?
To provide you with the best possible service, Windows Update collects some system configuration data in order to provide you with updates that apply to your computer. This information includes:
• Computer make and model
• Windows version number
• Internet Explorer version number
• Version numbers of other Microsoft software for which updates might be available
• Plug and Play ID numbers of hardware devices
• Region and Language setting
• Globally Unique Identifier (GUID)
• Product ID and Product Key
• BIOS name, revision number, and revision date

This was 30+MB of data? I'm just sayin'....

 

[optiplex gx520]

get avast it is better than avg

 

[scr]

You can try this to be sure AVG is removed completely from your system. Eset AV remover. Removes most brands of AV Programs.
Uninstallers (removal tools) for common Windows antivirus software - ESET Knowledgebase

Be sure to have a new AV waiting to be installed. Not having an AV is asking for trouble with a very loud voice.

 

[MrRoundel]

I installed the MS Security Essentials after I uninstalled AVG. The interface looks a lot like AVG's did, so I guess that's a good thing? What do you (scr) think about MS Security Essentials? Thanks.

 

[scr]

I installed the MS Security Essentials after I uninstalled AVG. The interface looks a lot like AVG's did, so I guess that's a good thing? What do you (scr) think about MS Security Essentials? Thanks.

I tried MS Security Essentials some years ago, at the time it slowed my poor tired and since retired XP machine down so bad it was difficult to use it. However, Eset Smart Security ran very well on it.

Because I purchased Eset Smart Security then and really liked it I continue to use it on both my systems. As I don't use MS Security Essentials I really can't offer a useful opinion on it. Perhaps others that do use it or have used it will jump in with an opinion.

Sorry for the delay in responding but my Internet connection is poor to none on the weekends as I am near a lake and the boaters overload the Verizon towers.

 

[MrRoundel]

Thanks for your response. The MS Security Essentials doesn't seem to be slowing down my machine noticeably. I have found that with other big name anti-virus software in the past though, but not with my Windows 7 OS. So far, so good. Thanks for the tip on Eset Smart. Cheers.

 

[Seffrid]

I switched 2 or 3 years ago from AVG or Avast, I have had both in the past but forget in what order, and did so on the advice of the engineers in my local computer repair shop. They recommended MSE and MBAM Free, and I haven't had cause to regret it. No slowing down of performance and no false positives, both of which were problems with the previous anti-virus programs.

So far as this unwanted AVG upgrade is concerned, and the question of whether it's genuine or not, it would be worth checking out the AVG forum - assuming they have one - to see whether it's a common complaint that has been addressed.