An individual has reported frequent alerts indicating their system is infected with multiple viruses. These prompts advise urgently clicking a link to resolve the issues. A review reveals no authentic antivirus software is present. What is the INITIAL step to be taken in reaction to these signs?
Reach out to a cybersecurity expert for assistance.
Locate and remove any fake antivirus programs installed.
Ensure all authorized software on the computer is up to date.
Execute a scan for malware using any installed security software.
Identifying and uninstalling or removing any rogue applications claiming to be legitimate security software is the first step in dealing with fake security warnings. These applications often masquerade as security software to trick users into further infecting their systems or paying for unnecessary services. Running anti-malware scans can be done after ensuring that no rogue software is manipulating the system. Not all legitimate applications need to be updated immediately in this scenario, especially not before dealing with the fake warnings. While contacting a professional is an option, it does not represent the best first action that an IT professional capable of handling this situation would take.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
What are fake antivirus programs?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
How can I tell if antivirus software is authentic?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What should I do if I accidentally clicked on a fake antivirus alert?