Today I created a virtual machine with plans to mess around with malware and I downloaded WinAntiVirus 2005, a well-known rogue antivirus program. I ran a 'scan' and it said one item was infected and one was a potential risk. They were both from an actual malware-downloading program I had installed and I thought it was just a coincidence. Here's the interesting part: I went to the scan report and chose to delete the files. And they were actually deleted. Isn't it supposed to tell me that only the full version can delete them? Check out the screenshot:

I got WinAntivirus2005 or 2007 and it was a scareware (Virus disguised as antivirus)

Like Jared said, I believe its (WinAntiVirus) a form of spyware itself:

http://www.spywareguide.com/product_show.php?id=2731
http://www.toptenreviews.com/anti-vi...us-review.html

Yes, I know it's scareware. I'm surprised because it seems to be acting like actual antivirus software. I just ran another scan and it says it didn't find anything at all. (And I've removed the spyware I had installed.) Do I live in some sort of alternate universe in which WinFixer variants actually do something? I'm scared.

Perhaps its just acting nice for now. I believe it does actually remove some spyware, but after a while (once it thinks your secure with it), it could act more scarish. I do find this interesting, though.

Edit: Note this in the privacy policy:
"They may disclose collected user information to advertisers and/or business partners."

So that's why they want my marital status!
I guess I'll wait awhile and see what happens. I don't know how useful information about Ahf Asdf is, but their "advertisers and/or business partners" can have it.

When it comes to virtual machines, though, you can torture them until they cry. It has no effect on your computer.


And the best way to get back at advertisers?

First name: Joe
Last name: Momma