Win32/FakeSecSen is a family of programs that claim to scan for malware and display fake warnings of “malicious programs and viruses”. They then inform the user that they need to pay money to register the software in order to remove these non-existent threats. Win32/FakeSecSen appears to be based on
Program:Win32/SpySheriff.
Like Win32/SpySheriff, Win32/FakeSecSen has been distributed with several different names. The user interface varies to reflect each variant’s individual branding.
Installation
Win32/FakeSecSen usually installs six files. For example, when distributed as 'Micro AV', FakeSecSen installs the following files:
microav.exe – The main executable; shows the fake “scanner” interface, an associated icon on the system tray, and other fake infection warnings. Examples of these can be seen below:
microav.cpl – A control panel applet; adds an entry to the control panel called, for example, “MS AV”, with the icon of the Windows Security Center. When run, it simply launches the main executable (microav.exe in this example).
microav0.dat and microav1.dat – These files contain the malware information to report. There is no actual scanning done, all of the entries in these DAT files are reported.
microav.ooo – a harmless file usually only a few bytes long
microantivirus.lnk – a desktop shortcut pointing to the main executable.
All of the files are installed into a directory under the user’s program files directory (e.g. %program files%\MicroAntivirus), except for the shortcut which is placed on the user’s desktop. The .cpl file (in this example microav.cpl) is also copied to the <system folder>.
Win32/FakeSecSen adds a registry entry to launch its main executable at system start, for example:
Under key: HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Sets value: "ANTIVIRUS"
With data: " %program files%\MicroAntivirus\microAV.exe"
Under key: HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Sets value: "ANTIVIRUS"
With data: " %program files%\MicroAntivirus\microAV.exe"
It also sets the following registry entry:
Under key: HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\.key
Sets value: "(default)"
With data: "0"
Examples
Please see below for additional examples of filenames, registry modifications, interfaces, fake alerts, false scanning results, icons and pop-ups used by this group of rogue antivirus programs. Note that while these programs may appear to be different, the differences are only superficial - these programs are essentially identical.
MS Antivirus
The following filenames may be used by Win32/FakeSecSen when distributed as 'MS Antivirus':
- %program_files%\ms antivirus\msa0.dat
- %program_files%\ms antivirus\msa1.dat
- %program_files%\ms antivirus\msa.ooo
- %program_files%\ms antivirus\msa.exe
- %program_files%\ms antivirus\msa.cpl
- %program_files%\ms antivirus\ms antivirus.lnk
The following registry modifications may be made by Win32/FakeSecSen when distributed as 'MS Antivirus':
Under key: HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Sets value: "ANTIVIRUS"
With data: "%program files%\MS Antivirus\MSA.exe"
Under key: HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Sets value: "ANTIVIRUS"
With data: "%program files%\MS Antivirus\MSA.exe"
Examples of interface, fake alerts, false scanning results, icons and pop-ups used by Win32/FakeSecSen when distributed as 'MS Antivirus':
Spyware Preventer
The following filenames may be used by Win32/FakeSecSen when distributed as 'Spyware Preventer':
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%program_files%\spp\spp.exe
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%program_files%\spp\spp.ooo
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%program_files%\spp\spp1.dat
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%program_files%\spp\spp1.dat
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c:\documents and settings\administrator\desktop\spyware preventer.lnk
The following registry modifications may be made by Win32/FakeSecSen when distributed as 'Spyware Preventer':
Under key: HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Sets value: "Antivirus"
With data: "%program files%\SPP\SPP.exe"
Under key: HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Sets value: "Antivirus"
With data: "%program files%\SPP\SPP.exe"
Examples of interface, fake alerts, false scanning results, icons and pop-ups used by Win32/FakeSecSen when distributed as 'Spyware Preventer':
Vista Antivirus 2008
The following filenames may be used by Win32/FakeSecSen when distributed as 'Vista Antivirus 2008':
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%program_files%\vav\vav.cpl
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%program_files%\vav\vav.exe
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%program_files%\vav\vav.ooo
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%program_files%\vav\vav0.dat
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%program_files%\vav\vav1.dat
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c:\documents and settings\administrator\desktop\vista antivirus 2008.lnk
The following registry modifications may be made by Win32/FakeSecSen when distributed as 'Vista Antivirus 2008':
Under key: HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Sets value: "Antivirus"
With data: "%program files%\VAV\vav.exe"
Under key: HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Sets value: "Antivirus"
With data: "%program files%\VAV\vav.exe"
Examples of interface, fake alerts, false scanning results, icons and pop-ups used by Win32/FakeSecSen when distributed as 'Vista Antivirus 2008':
Advanced Antivirus
The following filenames may be used by Win32/FakeSecSen when distributed as 'Advanced Antivirus':
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%program_files%\aav\aav1.dat
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%program_files%\aav\aav.cpl
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%program_files%\aav\aav.exe
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%program_files%\aav\aav.ooo
- c:\documents and settings\administrator\desktop\advanced antivirus.lnk
The following registry modifications may be made by Win32/FakeSecSen when distributed as 'Advanced Antivirus':
Under key: HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Sets value: "Antivirus"
With data: "%program files%\aav\aav.exe"
Under key: HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Sets value: "Antivirus"
With data: "%program files%\aav\aav.exe"
Examples of interface, fake alerts, false scanning results, icons and pop-ups used by Win32/FakeSecSen when distributed as 'Advanced Antivirus':
System Antivirus
The following filenames may be used by Win32/FakeSecSen when distributed as 'System Antivirus':
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%program_files%\sav\sav.ooo
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%program_files%\sav\sav0.dat
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%program_files%\sav\sav1.dat
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%program_files%\sav\sav.cpl
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%program_files%\sav\sav.exe
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c:\documents and settings\administrator\desktop\system antivirus 2008.lnk
The following registry modifications may be made by Win32/FakeSecSen when distributed as 'System Antivirus':
Under key: HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Sets value: "Antivirus"
With data: %program files%\sav\sav.exe"
Under key: HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Sets value: "Antivirus"
With data: "%program files%\sav\sav.exe"
Examples of interface, fake alerts, false scanning results, icons and pop-ups used by Win32/FakeSecSen when distributed as 'System Antivirus':
Ultimate Antivirus 2008
The following filenames may be used by Win32/FakeSecSen when distributed as 'Ultimate Antivirus 2008':
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%program_files%\uav\uav.ooo
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%program_files%\uav\uav1.dat
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%program_files%\uav\uav.cpl
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%program_files%\uav\uav.exe
-
c:\documents and settings\administrator\desktop\ultimate antivirus 2008.lnk
The following registry modifications may be made by Win32/FakeSecSen when distributed as 'Ultimate Antivirus 2008':
Under key: HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Sets value: "ANTIVIRUS"
With data: "%program files%\UAV\uav.exe"
Under key: HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Sets value: "ANTIVIRUS"
With data: "%program files%\UAV\uav.exe"
Examples of interface, fake alerts, false scanning results, icons and pop-ups used by Win32/FakeSecSen when distributed as 'Ultimate Antivirus 2008':
Windows Antivirus 2008
The following filenames may be used by Win32/FakeSecSen when distributed as 'Windows Antivirus 2008':
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%program_files%\wav\wav.ooo
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%program_files%\wav\wav1.dat
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%program_files%\wav\wav.cpl
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%program_files%\wav\wav.exe
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c:\documents and settings\administrator\desktop\windows antivirus 2008.lnk
The following registry modifications may be made by Win32/FakeSecSen when distributed as 'Windows Antivirus 2008':
Under key: HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Sets value: "ANTIVIRUS"
With data: "%program files%\WAV\wav.exe"
Under key: HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Sets value: "ANTIVIRUS"
With data: "%program files%\WAV\wav.exe"
Examples of interface, fake alerts, false scanning results, icons and pop-ups used by Win32/FakeSecSen when distributed as 'Windows Antivirus 2008':
XPert Antivirus
The following filenames may be used by Win32/FakeSecSen when distributed as 'XPert Antivirus':
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%program_files%\xpa\xpa.cpl
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%program_files%\xpa\xpa.exe
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%program_files%\xpa\xpa.ooo
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%program_files%\xpa\xpa0.dat
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%program_files%\xpa\xpa1.dat
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c:\documents and settings\administrator\desktop\xpert antivirus enterprise.lnk
The following registry modifications may be made by Win32/FakeSecSen when distributed as 'XPert Antivirus':
Under key: HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Sets value: "Antivirus"
With data: "%program files%\XPA\XPA.exe"
Under key: HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Sets value: "Antivirus"
With data: "%program files%\XPA\XPA.exe"
Examples of interface, fake alerts, false scanning results, icons and pop-ups used by Win32/FakeSecSen when distributed as 'XPert Antivirus':
Power Antivirus
The following filenames may be used by Win32/FakeSecSen when distributed as 'Power Antivirus':
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%program_files%\PWA\PWA0.dat
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%program_files%\PWA\PWA1.dat
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%program_files%\PWA\PWA.cpl
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%program_files%\PWA\PWA.exe
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%program_files%\PWA\PWA.ooo
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c:\documents and settings\administrator\desktop\power antivirus.lnk
or
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%program_files%\pwx\pwx.cpl
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%program_files%\pwx\pwx.exe
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%program_files%\pwx\pwx.ooo
-
%program_files%\pwx\pwx1.dat
-
c:\documents and settings\administrator\desktop\power antivirus.lnk
The following registry modifications may be made by Win32/FakeSecSen when distributed as 'Power Antivirus':
Under key: HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Sets value: "Antivirus"
With data: "%program_files%\PWA\PWA.exe"
Under key: HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Sets value: "Antivirus"
With data: "%program_files%\PWA\PWA.exe"
Or
Under key: HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Sets value: "Antivirus"
With data: "%program_files%\PWX\PWX.exe"
Under key: HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Sets value: "Antivirus"
With data: "%program_files%\PWX\PWX.exe"
Examples of interface, fake alerts, false scanning results, icons and pop-ups used by Win32/FakeSecSen when distributed as 'Power Antivirus':
Analysis by Hamish O'Dea
Follow these general security tips to better protect your system:
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Enable a firewall on your computer.
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Get the latest computer updates.
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Run an up-to-date scanning and removal tool.
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Use caution with attachments and file transfers.
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Use caution when clicking on links to web pages.
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Protect yourself against social engineering attacks.
Enable a firewall on your computer
Use a third-party firewall product or turn on the Microsoft Windows Internet Connection Firewall.
To turn on the Windows Firewall in Windows Vista
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Click Start, and click Control Panel.
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Click Security.
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Click Turn Windows Firewall on or off.
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Select On.
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Click OK.
To turn on the Internet Connection Firewall in Windows XP
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Click Start, and click Control Panel.
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Click Network and Internet Connections. If you do not see Network and Internet Connections, click Switch to Category View.
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Click Change Windows Firewall Settings.
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Select On.
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Click OK.
Get the latest computer updates
Updates help protect your computer from viruses, worms, and other threats as they are discovered. It is important to install updates for all the software that is installed in your computer. These are usually available from vendor websites.
You can use the Automatic Updates feature in Windows to automatically download future Microsoft security updates while your computer is on and connected to the Internet.
To turn on Automatic Updates in Windows Vista
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Click Start, and click Control Panel.
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Click System and Maintainance.
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Click Windows Updates.
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Select a setting. Microsoft recommends selecting Install updates automatically and choose a time that is convenient for you. If you do not choose Automatic, but you choose to be notified when updates are ready, a notification balloon appears when new downloads are available to install. Click the notification balloon to review and install the updates.
To turn on Automatic Updates in Windows XP
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Click Start, and click Control Panel.
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Click System.
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Click Automatic Updates.
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Select a setting. Microsoft recommends selecting Automatic. If you do not choose Automatic, but you choose to be notified when updates are ready, a notification balloon appears when new downloads are available to install. Click the notification balloon to review and install the updates.
Run an up-to-date scanning and removal tool
Most scanning and removal software can detect and prevent the installation of known malicious software and potentially unwanted software such as adware or spyware. You should frequently run a scanning and removal tool that is updated with the latest signature files.
For more information, see http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/viruses/vista.mspx.
Use caution with attachments and file transfers
Exercise caution with e-mail and attachments received from unknown sources, or received unexpectedly from known sources. Use extreme caution when accepting file transfers from known or unknown sources..
Use caution when clicking on links to web pages
Exercise caution with links to web pages that you receive from unknown sources, especially if the links are to a web page that you are not familiar with or are suspicious of. Malicious software may be installed in your system simply by visiting a web page with harmful content.
Protect yourself from social engineering attacks.
While attackers may attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in hardware or software in order to compromise a system, they also attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in human behavior in order to do the same. When an attacker attempts to take advantage of human behavior in order to persuade the affected user to perform an action of the attacker's choice, it is known as 'social engineering'. Essentially, social engineering is an attack against the human interface of the targeted system. For more information, please see our article '
What is social engineering?'.
