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Web users 'should be cautious of fake anti-virus programmes

A new report has highlighted that malware posing as anti-virus software is spreading across tens of millions of computers each month.

According to research by PandaLabs, over 1,000 examples of fake anti-virus software were found in the first quarter of 2008 alone.

The programme works by issuing false warnings of infections, persuading web users to buy software they do not need, and can also download Trojans or malware.

The firm also noted that between three and five per cent of people who scanned their computer using real anti-virus software were infected.

PandaLabs estimates there could be as many as 35 million computers infected per month with rogue anti-virus programmes running.

A host of new internet security techniques are currently been examined at the Black Hat security conference in Las Vegas.

Experts are showcasing 13 new vulnerabilities and 18 new online security tools.

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