Threat Level:

“Warning! Your security and privacy are at risk!” is a fake security alert probably produced by a trojan pimping rogue anti-spyware software. Rogue — or fake — antispyware will popup fake critical system error messages saying:

“Spyware has been detected on your computer. Click here to run a FULL SYSTEM SCAN to protect your data. (Windows Security Center message)”

That “Warning! Your security and privacy are at risk!” alert isn’t your real problem. Your real problem is that you’re infected with fake anti-spyware trying to scare you into wasting $20-50.

Unless you like getting ripped off, ignore that “Warning! Your security and privacy are at risk!” popup.

Help! Get Rid of “Warning! Your security and privacy are at risk!” Popup

You can search your computer manually, but it might take hours to find hidden files related to that “Warning! Your security and privacy are at risk!” message. To save time, I recommend you automatically scan your PC for “Warning! Your security and privacy are at risk!” and other spyware. Why not? It’s free.

Free “Warning! Your security and privacy are at risk!” Popup Scan, with SpyHunter

You can easily detect the files behind that “Warning! Your security and privacy are at risk!” popup with SpyHunter’s FREE spyware scanner. And if you’re really infected anything — maybe you’re not! — , you can buy the full version of SpyHunter to remove “Warning! Your security and privacy are at risk!”-related files and other spyware.

I’m a big fan of SpyHunter. Here’s why: SpyHunter offers live support on the phone, and if SpyHunter doesn’t automatically remove “Warning! Your security and privacy are at risk!”, you can get a custom fix for your computer.“Warning! Your security and privacy are at risk!” popup changed your homepage?Click Windows Start menu > Control Panel > Internet Options. Next, under Home Page, select the General > Use Default. Type in the URL you want as your home page (e.g., “http://www.homepage.com”). Then select Apply > OK. You’ll want to open a fresh web page and make sure that your new default home page pops up.

“Warning! Your security and privacy are at risk!” May Be a Trojan

Trojans install themselves secretly onto your computer, most often through your downloading a simple email attachment (often Trojans pose as harmless pictures). Most Trojans are able to gain complete control over your PC after installation. With this control, the Trojan and the hacker behind it may change your system settings, delete important files, steal your passwords, and watch your computer acitivity.

Infection Methods of “Warning! Your security and privacy are at risk!” and Other Trojans

Most Trojans infect your computer by tricking you into launching an infected file. This poisoned file could disguised as a small file, such as a jpeg or other email attachment, or it might be downloaded via a website or FTP.

• Email: Your PC may be infected with a Trojan when you download infected email attachments, or sometimes even when you simply open an email. Many Trojans exploit security holes in Microsoft Outlook. You may be able to reduce your chances of getting infected by a Trojan by using a spam-blocking software.
• Websites: Your PC may be infected with a Trojan when you visit a rogue site. Many Trojans exploit security holes in Internet Explorer web browser so that by simply visiting a website you may unknowingly download a Trojan.
• Open ports: If your computer runs programs that provide file-sharing functions – such as AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), MSN Messenger, and more – you may open your computer up to vulnerabilities. Using file sharing through these applications may create a network that gives attackers the opportunity to remotely access your computer.

“Warning! Your security and privacy are at risk!” May Be Rogue Anti-Spyware

Rogue anti-spyware refers to anti-spyware/antivirus software of questionable value. Rogue anti-spyware may not be proven to protect your computer from spyware, may popup fake alerts or create many false positives about your PC being infected, or may use scare tactics to try to get you to purchase the application. Rogue anti-spyware software may be installed by a Trojan, come bundled with other software, or install itself through web browser security holes. While it is fairly rare, some rogue anti-spyware is created and distributed by known spyware or adware companies, and the rogue anti-spyware may install spyware or adware itself.

Often when you’re infected with rogue anti-spyware like “Warning! Your security and privacy are at risk!”, you’ll see a false popup security alert like this:

Rogue Anti-Spyware Tactics

Typically, rogue anti-spyware such as “Warning! Your security and privacy are at risk!” has one or more of the qualities listed below, which is why rogue anti-spyware is considered anti-spyware software of questionable value.

• False positives/fake alerts: Rogue anti-spyware may produce a large number of false positives or use fake alerts, noting that your computer is infected with spyware parasites or other threats that do not really exist.
• Copycat looks: Rogue anti-spyware may copy the look and feel of other legitimate or rogue anti-spyware applications. Often, rogue anti-spyware applications may appear as close clones of other rogue anti-spyware software.
• High pressure marketing: Rogue anti-spyware may use scare tactics or other aggressive advertising and marketing tactics to try to trick you into buying the rogue anti-spyware application. Often, rogue anti-spyware may produce false positives and fake alerts about your computer being infected.
• Poor detection/scan reporting: Rogue anti-spyware may produce poor reports when it scans your PC. For example, rogue anti-spyware may say your computer is infected 11 parasites, but not specify which spyware parasites or what type of parasites. Rogue anti-spyware may also report that your PC is infected with SafeAndClean, but not tell you which related files, DLLS, etc. were found on your computer.
• Weak scanning/detection: Rogue anti-spyware may not only poorly report on computer infection, but rogue antispyware may also poorly scan your PC. Rogue anti-spyware may skip over important folders and files of your computer that should be scanned to detect spyware.

Did “Warning! Your security and privacy are at risk!” use these tactics to trick you into buying “Warning! Your security and privacy are at risk!”?