Microsoft Security Essentials Alert Is Not MSE

[Nem]

   Information

Users need to steer clear of Microsoft Security Essentials Alert. Simply because Microsoft Security Essentials Alert has nothing to do with either Microsoft Security Essentials 1.0 or MSE 2.0, which is currently in Beta testing phase.

Instead Microsoft Security Essentials Alert is a rogue antivirus. This is of course not the first time when attackers are copying Microsoft’s genuine free version of its security solution for Windows.

Some Softpedia readers might still remember that Security Essentials 2010 was another fake antivirus that was attempting to piggy back ride Microsoft Security Essentials.

However, with Microsoft Security Essentials Alert have taken it one step further, by replicating the legitimate Microsoft Security Essentials details.

Attackers are simply attempting to give their fake antivirus a feeling of authenticity. The best way for them to fool victims into thinking that their rogue AV is a legitimate product is to replicate as closely as possible the look and feel of the genuine security solution, in this case Microsoft Security Essentials.

More - Softpedia

 

[Barman58]

The major difference with this to something like security essentials 2010 is they are using the Microsoft name, which takes the offence to a whole new level. I doubt that Microsoft will wait too long before hitting these rouge developers hard

 

[Petey7]

One thing I find scary about it is, we recommend MSE here so much, we more or less contribute to rogue develops feeling the need/want to develop fake AV software the resembles it so closely.

 

[Nem]

Yeah i hope they do hit them hard but i doubt they could do anything. These developers of the rogue software can just make something else..they're never going to stop..

EDIT: @ Petey, yes i see your point but maybe we can be more clear. If we do recommend it at least include the Official site where to download. That goes for anything really.

 

[Barman58]

What they, Microsoft, can do will depend on where the developers are located. The use of the Microsoft brand name will bring into play things such as international copyright law, which tends to be far reaching and powerful.

 

[Nem]

Also depending IF they can even locate them. Which i hope they do, it might be awhile before they do anything.

 

[Barman58]

The thing here is that they are targeting Microsoft directly - and they are attempting financial gain, so they will have accounts for the money. This takes it into standard fraud territory, Microsoft just need to follow the cash, which they have the financial ability to do. Hopefully they will consider this as a case sufficient to follow up and take at least one group of these criminals out of the ecosystem

 

[kurahk7]

This is horrible, I've recently recommended MSE to some of my computer non-literate friends....hopefully they download it straight from Microsoft and no where else .

 

[brianzion]

Microsoft Security Essentials Alert Is Not Microsoft Security Essentia

Microsoft Security Essentials Alert Is Not Microsoft Security Essentials 1.0 or 2.0 - Softpedia

 

[whs]

Thanks for alerting us.

 

[Zardoc]

There is a detailed walkthrough to solve the issue

From Bleeping computers.

Remove the Fake Microsoft Security Essentials Alert Trojan, Red Cross Antivirus, and Peak Protection 2010

 

[sygnus21]

Good info.

Thanks guys.

 

[johnwillyums]

That's really useful to know Brian. Thanks for posting

 

[brianzion]

That's really useful to know Brian. Thanks for posting

thanks like to be helpful

 

[CarlTR6]

Good information and a good post.

 

[Barman58]

I have merged the original thread with the one by brianzion as the information posted in both threads is important