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Russian firm peddling fake software

A Russian firm is making millions of pounds out of selling fake anti-virus software by scaring innocent computer users that they have been exposed to online threats, it has been alleged.

A scareware tactic is being employed by Bakasoftware, which has been exposed as peddling the fake software dubbed Antivirus XP 2009, which specifically targets English-speaking computer users, reports the New York Times.

Details of how the firm operates state that it does offer a genuine anti-virus programme, which is however programmed to generate a series of pop ups warning users that their internet security has been compromised.

Users who respond to the messages are advised to purchase a programme worth $49.95 to rid their machine of the purported online threat.

"The big problem with scareware is that you have voluntarily provided personal information to a website that you would not ordinarily want to have your name, address, credit card and date of birth," said Richard Boscovich, a Microsoft lawyer.

The firm's shady activities came to light after a hacker broke into its systems and exposed their modus operandi.

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