How to Avoid Downloading the Anti-Virus 2009 Virus

A virus called “anti-virus 2009” or some previous version with lots of different names is all over the place. The danger is that the virus lurks on very routine looking Google searches. I did a Google search this morning for the Czech Prime minister and there was a very political looking headline link that hid the virus. Having already experienced the virus on one of my three computers, I didn’t download again. The “face” of the virus looks legitimate and is designed to copy regular style windows alerts, complete with little red “shield.” Accompanying the alert is language advising you to “scan” your computer by pressing a button. Do not do this and, though the “alert sign” has an “x” which implies you can close the window by clicking on it, do not do this either. Clicking on the “x” or “close” box of the virus message will begin downloading the Anti-virus 2009 Virus onto your computer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. If you encounter this problem, here’s the way to deal with it:
   
   Carefully save and close whatever other applications you’ve been working on.
   
   Then open the Windows Task Manager. The window’s Task Manager is opened by right-clicking on the task bar at the bottom of any page.

2. The Task Manager has several tabs but the one you want is called “Applications” so be sure you’ve clicked that one if it’s not already showing.
   
   Highlight the running application that says “anti-virus 2009” and then click on “End Task.”
   
   If the Virus application doesn’t immediately stop running, you may get another response window which gives you the option of “end task now.” If you get that, click on “End Task Now.”

3. That is the proper way to close the Virus file and prevent it from executing your computer. This particular Virus is everywhere hiding under harmless looking web site links, so be alert to the signals. There is something particularly hideous and evil in disguising a virus as an anti-virus program.
   
   When I first experienced this virus, my Norton Anti-Virus identified and alerted me to it but could not remove it. I tried other anti-virus programs, too, and they didn't work. The one that did work for me to remove the virus was a “Malwarebytes product. I was a little leery of that name but it's a very good free product. The Malwarebytes website also gives instructions on how to get your Task Manager working again if it's been disabled. Did I mention that the virus, if downloaded, disables your “Task Manager?” The key is to stop the virus from running without downloading it.

Tips & Warnings

• Note: There are several articles on Ehow regarding this virus and how to remove it. One of the ones I liked particularly was written by Ehow member Princess Alissa and can be found at: http://www.ehow.com/how_4709883_uninstall-antivirus-trojan-horse-virus.html
• The easiest way to deal with the flood of viruses over the internet is by avoiding accidental downloads of the virus.

[chevee]

on 3/25/2009 Than your for sharing.