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Fake Windows Security Center

Also Known As: Windows Security Center Scam
Damage level: High

What is Fake Windows Security Center?

Fake Windows Security Center is a misleading application that attempts to trick computer users into believing that their computers are at risk. This bogus software is commonly distributed using search engine result poisoning techniques and spam campaigns.

Internet criminals also use misleading websites capable of installing Fake Windows Security Center on your computer through security vulnerabilities. When this bogus program infects your computer, it displays warning messages reporting that your computer is not protected.

Windows Security Center rogue program

The application performs a fake scan and then states that your PC is infected with malware. A Fake Windows Security Center window will open and you will be advised to install security software to protect your computer.

You will then be directed to a website and encouraged to purchase software protection for your computer. Do not enter your banking information into this website.

This program is fake and you should remove the infection from your computer as soon as possible. Ignore the warning messages, since they are fake; this program's objective is to trick you into purchasing non existent computer protection software.

You should not mistake this program for genuine security software that Windows normally installs by default. The fake version of this program merely imitates a computer scan in an attempt to coerce you into purchasing a useless security program.

Use a legitimate security program to scan your computer and remove the security threats that it detects.

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Quick menu:

Automatic removal of Fake Windows Security center

Before downloading and installing, enter this key: 1147-175591-6550 in the activation window of this spyware. It will not remove the infection, but you should be able to install legitimate anti-spyware software.

NOTE: If you cannot run or download the removal tool, download the registry fix file, which enables the execution of applications. Click on the link below, and when download completes, click run, click yes, and then OK.

Fake Windows Security Center removal instructions (manual):

1. Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK.

During your computer starting process press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

alt

Video showing how to start Windows in "Safe Mode with Networking":

Windows XP:

Windows 7:

Windows 8:

2. Download the fix.reg file. After saving the file to your desktop, double click fix.reg and then click YES to confirm.

3. Open Internet Explorer, click Tools and select Internet Options. Select "Connections".

internet explorer internet options

 

internet explorer internet connections

 

4.Click LAN settings, if 'Use a proxy server for your LAN' is checked, uncheck it and press OK.

internet options lan settings

internet explorer proxy settings

 

 

 

 

 5. Download legitimate anti-spyware software to fully remove Fake Windows Security Center from your PC.

If you are unable to remove Fake Windows Security Center, you can use these manual removal instructions. Use them at your own risk, since if you do not have strong computer knowledge, you could harm your operating system.

Use them only if you are an experienced computer user. (Instructions on how to end processes, remove registry entries...)

End these Fake Windows Security Center  processes:

[RANDOM CHARACTERS].exe

Remove these Fake Windows Security Center  registry entries:

HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareClasses.exe “(Default)” = ‘exefile’
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareClasses.exe “Content Type” = ‘application/x-msdownload’
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareClasses.exeDefaultIcon “(Default)” = ‘%1? = ‘”%UserProfile%Local SettingsApplication Data[random 3 letters].exe” /START “%1? %*’
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareClasses.exeshellopencommand “IsolatedCommand” = ‘”%1? %*’
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareClasses.exeshellrunascommand “(Default)” = ‘”%1? %*’
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareClasses.exeshellrunascommand “IsolatedCommand” = ‘”%1? %*’
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareClassesexefile “(Default)” = ‘Application’
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareClassesexefile “Content Type” = ‘application/x-msdownload’
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareClassesexefileDefaultIcon “(Default)” = ‘%1?
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareClassesexefileshellopencommand “(Default)” = ‘”%UserProfile%Local SettingsApplication Data.exe” /START “%1? %*’
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareClassesexefileshellopencommand “IsolatedCommand” = ‘”%1? %*’
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareClassesexefileshellrunascommand “(Default)” = ‘”%1? %*’
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareClassesexefileshellrunascommand “IsolatedCommand” – ‘”%1? %*’
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.exeDefaultIcon “(Default)” = ‘%1?
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.exeshellopencommand “(Default)” = ‘”%UserProfile%Local SettingsApplication Data.exe” /START “%1? %*’
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.exeshellopencommand “IsolatedCommand” = ‘”%1? %*’
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.exeshellrunascommand “(Default)” = ‘”%1? %*’
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.exeshellrunascommand “IsolatedCommand” = ‘”%1? %*’
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTexefile “Content Type” = ‘application/x-msdownload’
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTexefileshellopencommand “IsolatedCommand” = ‘”%1? %*’
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTexefileshellrunascommand “IsolatedCommand” = ‘”%1? %*’
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTexefileshellopencommand “(Default)” = ‘”%UserProfile%Local SettingsApplication Data.exe” /START “%1? %*’
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClientsStartMenuInternetFIREFOX.EXEshellopencommand “(Default)” = ‘”%UserProfile%Local SettingsApplication Data.exe” /START “C:Program FilesMozilla Firefoxfirefox.exe”‘
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClientsStartMenuInternetFIREFOX.EXEshellsafemodecommand “(Default)” = ‘”%UserProfile%Local SettingsApplication Data.exe” /START “C:Program FilesMozilla Firefoxfirefox.exe” -safe-mode’
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClientsStartMenuInternetIEXPLORE.EXEshellopencommand “(Default)” = ‘”%UserProfile%Local SettingsApplication Data.exe” /START “C:Program FilesInternet Exploreriexplore.exe”‘

Delete these Fake Windows Security Center  files:

%AllUsersProfile%t3e0ilfioi3684m2nt3ps2b6lru
%AppData%Local[random].exe
%AppData%Localt3e0ilfioi3684m2nt3ps2b6lru
%AppData%RoamingMicrosoftWindowsTemplatest3e0ilfioi3684m2nt3ps2b6lru
%Temp%t3e0ilfioi3684m2nt3ps2b6lru

Summary:

The fake antivirus programs (also known as "rogue antivirus programs" or "scareware") are applications that tries to lure computer users into paying for their non-existent full versions to remove the supposedly detected security infections (although the computer is actually clean). These bogus programs are created by cyber criminals who design them to look as legitimate antivirus software. Most commonly rogue antivirus programs infiltrate user's computer using poop-up windows or alerts which appear when users surf the Internet. These deceptive messages trick users into downloading a rogue antivirus program on their computers. Other known tactics used to spread scareware include exploit kits, infected email messages, online ad networks, drive-by downloads, or even direct calls to user's offering free support.

A computer that is infected with a fake antivirus program might also have other malware installed on it as rogue antivirus programs often are bundled with Trojans and exploit kits. Noteworthy that additional malware that infiltrates user's operating system remains on victim's computer regardless of whether a payment for a non-existent full version of a fake antivirus program is made. Here are some examples of fake security warning messages that are used in fake antivirus distribution:

Fake pop-up used in rogue antivirus distribution example 1

Fake pop-up used in rogue antivirus distribution example 2

Computer users who are dealing with a rogue security software shouldn't buy it's full version. By paying for a license key of a fake antivirus program users would send their money and banking information to cyber criminals. Users who have already entered their credit card number (or other sensitive information) when asked by such bogus software should inform their credit card company that they have been tricked into buying a rogue security software. Screenshot of a web page used to lure computer users into paying for a non-existent full version of windows security center scam and other rogue antivirus programs:

example of a webpage used to collect payments for fake antivirus programs

To protect your computer from windows security center scam and other rogue antivirus programs users should:

  • Keep their operating system and all of the installed programs up-to-date.
  • Use legitimate antivirus and anti-spyware programs.
  • Use caution when clicking on links in social networking websites and email messages.
  • Don't trust online pop-up messages which state that your computer is infected and offers you to download security software.

Symptoms indicating that your operating system is infected with a fake antivirus program:

  • Intrusive security warning pop-up messages.
  • Alerts asking to upgrade to a paid version of a program to remove the supposedly detected malware.
  • Slow computer performance.
  • Disabled Windows updates.
  • Blocked Task Manager.
  • Blocked Internet browsers or inability to visit legitimate antivirus vendor websites.

If you have additional information on windows security center scam or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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