Has this ever happened to you? Sitting at your desk, focusing on your current project, and suddenly a pop-up flashes onto the screen and alerts you to a potential virus? Perhaps it’s an email, or another form of notification? Whatever the method, alarm bells begin to sound, the messages can be convincing and persuade you of a real threat.
The message may ask you to pay to get rid of the virus, or that you are in need of anti-virus software. This is extremely unlikely. Recently, we had a call from a client who had experienced a pop up from a recognised anti-virus provider, with a large image stating that their machine was infected. Employees will not necessarily be aware of the company anti-virus software, and so this occurrence can be alarming and raise uncertainty.
Do you know what anti-virus product your company uses? Would a fake pop-up with a different anti-virus product image trigger that it is a fake alert which is about to infect your machine?
At Saqqara, we highly recommend Viper Managed Security products which helps protect against malware, fileless attacks, insider threats and compromised accounts and helps you understand what you are looking at and make a quick, informed decision on how to respond.
Pop-up messages claiming that you have a virus and need anti-virus software may, ironically, contain a virus that could harm your computer, cause costly repairs, or even worse, lead to identity theft. Here is what you need to know to protect yourself and your business from “scareware.”
What to do
Do not click on the message and contact us or your service provider without delay.
Do not impart any personal information, codes, data, or money.
Close your browser. Do not click on the link, pop-up or open any attachments. Do not reply to any emails.
We welcome your feedback, please get in touch!
0330 223 2949 contact@saqqaraIT.com