Posted by SecExtra on May 30th, 2010

Google has recently warned about the dangers of some of the anti-virus software out there that may actually load malicious codes onto your personal computer. This is a growing threat and it is estimated that around 15% of the anti-virus software out there could possibly malicious. This is a study that was conducted by Google over a 13 month period.

Many of the scams that are out there convince people that there is a danger on their computer and then they automatically download the prescribed remedy which may actually contain spyware. You may want to be suspicious of any of the anti-virus programs out there that want you to download a free trial. A popup is often used to entice the reader to perform a free computer search and then the malicious spyware is already there whether you purchase anything or not.

People should become more familiar with the anti-virus software that they are currently using. Your current anti-virus should not allow any of virus to infiltrate your computer and if you are prompted by another company, it could simply be a hoax. You may also be prompted to clean up your computer and this is another ploy that is used to get spyware onto your computer.

You should always know what you are downloading and if you are not aware, you should stay completely away from these ploys. You may be thinking that you are doing something to help your computer that may actually hurt your computer and this is why you have to be overly diligent about the security of your computer.

More: BBC News