Stopping Win 7 Antivirus 2012

Here we go again. Another rogue anti-spyware application is roaming the internet using the names Win 7 Antivirus 2012 and Win 7 Antispyware 2012. This malicious software is part of a family that also includes such names as Vista Antivirus 2012 and XP Security 2012. Like other fake anti-spyware downloads designed to infect your computer, this group of malware creates pop-up alerts that falsely claim your computer is infected so they can frighten you into downloading malicious files. In addition, some hackers have tried to break into computers and install these applications themselves without users' knowledge.

Regardless of how the rogue spyware takes up residence, the result is the same: ongoing attempts to make you think your system is infected so you'll purchase fake anti-spyware software and lose your money in the process. In addition, Win 7 Antivirus 2012 has been reported to change computer desktops, take over internet browsers and monitor internet activity. Thus identity theft is a secondary goal of Win 7 Antivirus 2012.

One way to spot fake security warnings from this rogue software is to read the warning language closely. For example, once Win 7 Antivirus 2012 is running on your computer, you might see pop-up warnings that say viruses or spyware may be harming your system “now,” or that malware is trying to exploit a Windows security problem. Some warnings may ask if you want to block a current attack. The warnings communicate urgency and might make you believe that you're truly under attack from an unknown threat. Any alarmist language that appears suddenly on your screen should alert you to the possibility of infection with Win 7 Antivirus 2012.

If your computer has been infected, you need to take quick action to remove Win 7 Antivirus 2012 from your system. You can find detailed instructions online about how to remove Win 7 Antivirus 2012 manually from computers running Windows 7, XP and Vista. There's also at least one free anti-malware download, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, that can help remove Win 7 Antivirus 2012. You also can find a short YouTube video that explains four steps for removal.

The swift spread of Win 7 Antivirus 2012 underscores the need for reliable anti-malware protection. Basic anti-virus software, whether you pay for it or it's free, is probably not enough to protect you from this type of threat. You can find a free version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware online and quickly download it, but it's best to run regular scans between automatic scans to be sure the application is working as best it can.

Note that each time you click to run an anti-malware scan, you'll be asked if you want to update your version. It's always a good idea to do this. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is constantly updating its capabilities in response to every-increasing security threats, so you'll want to keep your security software as up to date as possible. If you maintain malware protection as well as a reliable firewall, you'll be able to protect your computer from threats like Win 7 Antivirus 2012.

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