Knowing when we have some kind of threat on our computers is very important. There are many security tools that tell us if our system has been compromised with a variety of malware and what we can do to solve this problem. However, it can also happen that we receive false threat alerts, which is actually what causes our computer to be compromised. In this article we are going to show how we can do to recognize this that we mention and prevent it from happening to us.
The problem of false security threats
As we say, sometimes we can come across messages that tell us that our device is infected by some type of threat. They may tell us that we have viruses, that there is malware or that we have some software that is spying on us. All of this can logically alert the victim.
The important point here is that there are bogus security threats . These are messages that only seek to attract the attention of the user, who believe that they really have some variety of malware on their computer and that, ultimately, they must do something to solve it.
When we encounter a false security threat, sometimes they ask us to download a file, access a page or install some type of software to solve the problem. This is exactly where that problem begins, that real threat that could damage our equipment.
That file, that program that they ask us to install or that page that we can access is actually the entry of the malware itself. It is basically a bait that hackers can use to achieve their goal.
How to recognize fake security alerts
Fake security alerts are usually easily detected. They are usually very obvious when browsing the net or using certain platforms and services. However, it is convenient to recognize them to avoid problems and that our device malfunctions and our privacy is compromised.
Pop-up messages in the browser
Without a doubt one of the most popular types of fake security alerts is pop-up messages that appear in the browser. This can happen if we have some type of adware. Alerts appear where they indicate that there is a security problem and we must take some action.
It usually shows us a message to download a security tool to solve this problem. However, this link leads us to download malicious software or to a modified website to steal data.
Alerts when entering a website
It could also happen that when entering a web page, banners or messages appear indicating the same: your computer is in danger and must be updated or we must install a program.
This could happen if that website has been previously attacked. They may have injected malicious code to sneak that type of content that is actually aimed at damaging the security of users.
System notifications after installing a program
Another very frequent problem is that we install some software on the system that contains adware . This could endanger our security and one of the signs is that when we install it, system notifications appear or that simulate system alerts alerting us to a security breach.
These notifications, like the previous cases, want us to click on a link and download some supposed tool to protect the computer. But again what we do is download malicious software.
False security program
Antiviruses are very useful to protect our systems. There are many options that we have at our disposal. Now, it is possible that at any given moment we install an antivirus that is actually false, that does not seek more than to steal information.
This could launch false notifications that make us believe that our computer is really at risk, that it has detected malware or any problem. However, once again, this is nothing more than a hoax.
Extensions in the browser
Lastly, browser extensions can also launch alert messages indicating that something is wrong. We are facing a wide variety of add-ons that may have been maliciously modified for that purpose.
How to avoid fake malware notifications
We have seen what are the main signs that we can see when browsing the Internet or using our devices and that could affect us. Now let’s see what we can do to avoid precisely this problem.
Use security tools
Something important is to use security tools . A good antivirus, ensuring that it really is legitimate and that it is not going to represent a problem, can help us in the fight to combat security threats.
This is something that we must apply to all types of systems and devices to avoid the entry of malicious software that compromises us.
Have updated equipment
Of course the equipment must be updated with the latest versions. Sometimes vulnerabilities can emerge that are exploited by hackers to carry out their attacks. We must install the latest available patches to correct these problems.
Download programs from official sources
We must not forget the importance of installing only legitimate software that has been downloaded from official sites. In this way, we avoid programs that could have been maliciously modified to launch those false security messages.
Common sense
Last, but perhaps most importantly, common sense . In many cases, these fake security alerts come from mistakes we have made. For example downloading a malicious file that comes to us by email or entering an insecure website.
These errors can compromise our security and privacy. We must always maintain common sense at all times.
Ultimately, these are some tips to avoid false security alerts that can flood our system. It is something that happens on certain occasions and we must know how to recognize and eliminate them.