Scareware is a type of malware attack that claims to have detected a virus or other issue on a device and directs the user to download or buy malicious software to resolve the problem. Generally speaking, scareware is the gateway to a more intricate cyberattack and not an attack in and of itself. Scareware is often part of a multi-prong attack which incorporates social engineering techniques and spoofing to heighten the sense of urgency and drive the desired behavior. Scareware attacks, like many forms of malware attacks, are especially troublesome in that the scammer may gain access to the user’s account information or credit card details, which can put the user at risk of identity theft or other forms of fraud.

1. Scareware
Name: Vivek Banthiya
Roll no: CS20042

2. Table of content
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What is scareware?
How does scareware work?
Scareware vs ransomware
How to Recognize it?
Examples of scareware
Related solutions

3. What is
scareware?
Scareware is a type of social engineering scam that uses fear
to trick people into downloading malware, losing money, or
handing over personal data. In the classic example, scareware
alerts the victim to a virus on their device, then tries to sell
the victim a fake antivirus software that does nothing or turns
out to be malware.

4. How does
scareware work?
Scareware scams start with a
message: a spoofed text, a
phishing email, or — most often —
a browser window pop-up. The
hallmark of a scareware message
is the use of scare tactics, like
threats of a virus or legal action, to
get the victim to take immediate
action.

5. ScarewareVs
ransomware
Scareware commonly falls into the
category of a ransomware attack in
that the cybercriminals’ end goal is to
have the user download ransomware
software. Ransomware is a type of
malware that denies access to a user’s
system and personal information, and
demands a payment (ransom) to
regain access.
ransomware
Scareware

6. How to Recognize
Scareware Attacks
Scareware attacks often begin with a that appears to
be from a legitimate security software provider.
If clicked, the scareware ad will direct the user to an infected
website where they are given additional instructions to solve their
so-called problem.
This may include installing a new tool or program, running a
computer scan, entering log-in credentials for more information
or uploading their credit card information to continue the
recovery process.
pop up ad

7. Examplesof
scareware
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the
increase in office workers transitioning to
remote work fueled a rise in tech support
scams throughout the United States.
These technical support scams use
various delivery methods including phone
calls, pop-up warnings or redirects;
targeting individuals who may not be
adept at or self-sufficient in remote
computing.

8. Scareware
protection
Once scareware infects a device, removing it can be difficult.
To prevent scareware from taking root, organizations and
users might consider the following tools and practices:
Anti-malware tools
Network security tools
Software updates and patche
Cybersecurity awareness training

9. Removing tips
The easiest way to remove scareware is to use a legitimate
antivirus program. These programs run scans and detect
threats to remove malware. To remove this from a Windows
PC, perform the following steps:
Search for " " in the
Windows search box
Select "Programs.
Right-click on the application,
software that was downloaded
before the symptoms of scareware
started showing up
Select "Uninstall."
Control Panel

10. Thank You