Make sure your antivirus software is legit
Hi, I'm Molly Wood from CNET.com, here with a tip on making sure you�re really secure when
you�re downloading security software. Our Download.com team got a reader email from
Gergigbear, asking, "How do you tell a rogue anti virus site from the good sites?"
You might have heard of the threat posed by rogue antivirus vendors. Maybe you�ve seen a
message telling you that your computer is infected and you need to buy some this software
right now to fix it. Or, worse, scammers can compromise legitimate antivirus Websites and
redirect you to a bogus site. Usually, the scammers harvest your credit card information and
whatever you pay for the fake software, and then never deliver any software. But some fake
antivirus software can actually CONTAIN viruses or worms. So, you need to be careful. Here are
some tips from our Download.com editors on how to avoid getting scammed.
First tip: it�s all about the source: If you�ve discovered the site from a pop-up on your computer
screen or in your system tray, all signs point to rogue. This is a well-known scare tactic that
these illegitimate companies use to herd you to their sites. Instead, search for security software
on CNET Download.com or other reputable sites. You�ll get legitimate recommendations, and
also ratings and editors� reviews.
Next: take a good hard look at the site! Legitimate antispyware companies spend a lot of
money to make their Websites look good. If you see spelling errors or bad graphics, steer clear.
Of course, a bogus �company� could also make a nice site, which is why�
Third tip: Use a link scanning app like McAfee Site Advisor or link LinkScanner Lite (which is
included in AVG�s free antivirus app). Also, both Firefox and Internet Explorer use scanning and
rating toolbars that warn you with yellow or red buttons in the browser window if the site
seems unsafe.
Visit Download.com for a lot more tips on avoiding unsafe sites, and you can find our top
security picks at the link on the screen.
It�s a dangerous world out there, and I hope this will help you stay a little bit safer. For
CNET.com, I'm Molly Wood, and you�re welcome.
Up Next
Best antivirus software for Windows (2021 edition)
Up Next
Best antivirus software for Windows (2021 edition)
Which VPN should you pick?
Which VPN should you pick?
Here's how the pandemic is changing how we shop online
Here's how the pandemic is changing how we shop online
Video game industry targeted by Chinese hackers
Video game industry targeted by Chinese hackers
CISA director: Paper record key to keeping 2020 election secure
CISA director: Paper record key to keeping 2020 election secure
Blackhat 2020: Tech community must help secure elections
Blackhat 2020: Tech community must help secure elections
Chinese hackers charged with allegedly stealing COVID-19 vaccine
Chinese hackers charged with allegedly stealing COVID-19 vaccine
How to protect your phone (and your privacy) at a protest
How to protect your phone (and your privacy) at a protest
Everything you need to know about stalkerware
Everything you need to know about stalkerware
Prepare for a 'new national surveillance system' in order to wipe out COVID-19
Prepare for a 'new national surveillance system' in order to wipe out COVID-19
Tech Shows
Latest News All latest news
Hands-On with Ford's Free Tesla Charging Adapter
Hands-On with Ford's Free Tesla Charging Adapter
Apple and Meta Are Competing for Your Memories
Apple and Meta Are Competing for Your Memories
Nvidia's Project GR00T vs. Tesla Optimus: Competing Robot Strategies
Nvidia's Project GR00T vs. Tesla Optimus: Competing Robot Strategies
What Google Gemini AI on the iPhone Could Look Like
What Google Gemini AI on the iPhone Could Look Like
DOJ Sues Apple: Everything to Know About the Antitrust Suit
DOJ Sues Apple: Everything to Know About the Antitrust Suit
Microsoft Surface Pro 10, Surface Laptop 6 Are Here
Microsoft Surface Pro 10, Surface Laptop 6 Are Here
Most Popular All most popular
First Look at TSA's Self-Screening Tech (in VR!)
First Look at TSA's Self-Screening Tech (in VR!)
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: More AI at a Higher Cost
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: More AI at a Higher Cost
'Circle to Search' Lets Users Google From Any Screen
'Circle to Search' Lets Users Google From Any Screen
Asus Put Two 14-inch OLEDs in a Laptop, Unleashes First OLED ROG Gaming Laptop
Asus Put Two 14-inch OLEDs in a Laptop, Unleashes First OLED ROG Gaming Laptop
Samsung Galaxy Ring: First Impressions
Samsung Galaxy Ring: First Impressions
Best of Show: The Coolest Gadgets of CES 2024
Best of Show: The Coolest Gadgets of CES 2024
Latest Products All latest products
Hands-On with Ford's Free Tesla Charging Adapter
Hands-On with Ford's Free Tesla Charging Adapter
Nuro R3 is an Adorable Self-Driving Snack Bar
Nuro R3 is an Adorable Self-Driving Snack Bar
First Look: The $349 Nothing Phone 2A Aims to Brighten Your Day
First Look: The $349 Nothing Phone 2A Aims to Brighten Your Day
Best of MWC 2024: Bendable Screens, AI Wearables and More
Best of MWC 2024: Bendable Screens, AI Wearables and More
This Concept Laptop from Lenovo Has a Transparent Display
This Concept Laptop from Lenovo Has a Transparent Display
Motorola's Rollable Concept Phone Wraps on Your Wrist
Motorola's Rollable Concept Phone Wraps on Your Wrist
Latest How To All how to videos
Windows 11 Tips and Hidden Features
Windows 11 Tips and Hidden Features
Vision Pro App Walkthrough -- VisionOS 1.0.3
Vision Pro App Walkthrough -- VisionOS 1.0.3
Tips and Tricks for the Galaxy S24 Ultra
Tips and Tricks for the Galaxy S24 Ultra
TikTok Is Now on the Apple Vision Pro
TikTok Is Now on the Apple Vision Pro
Get Your TV Ready for the Big Game: Super Bowl Setup Tips
Get Your TV Ready for the Big Game: Super Bowl Setup Tips
How to Use a Quest 3 Like the Vision Pro