"Vista Security" malware is a more advanced version of "Anti Virus 2000"

[HopeHoops]

This is a partial cross-post from the Computers & Internet group (also cross-posted in GD). I felt it was important for everyone on DU to be aware of this.

Basically, this strain of malware pretends to be anti-virus software that has "found a threat" on your computer. It does a pretty good job of looking legitimate, including putting a little shield icon in the system tray and putting up those annoying "cartoon balloons" that make Vista so easy to hate. The entire purpose is to get you to "activate your security" or "get the full version" so you'll fork over credit card information.

The problem is that it makes the machine useless for anything productive. The windows pop up all over the place, some can't be moved and stay on top, and it redefines ".exe" so programs you try to run pass through it. The older ones just took control of IE but the new one takes over Firefox as well. Removing it is the only thing to do and DO NOT USE THE MACHINE FOR FINANCES until you are sure that it is gone.

If you are comfortable with removing it yourself, see my post in the Computers and Internet group: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=242x30344

If not, get thee to a computer geek. Whatever you do, DO NOT click on any of the buttons in the pop-ups. I've read that some of them are actually entirely fake windows and the "X" box is an active hot button for its evil purposes. I haven't (and won't) try that to verify it.

Beware DU. I hope this helps.