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Security Center

Also Known As: Security Center Rogue
Damage level: High

What is Security Center?

Security Center is a bogus program created by Internet criminals who distribute it via fake online security scanners. Misleading websites are created with the purpose of displaying these fake scanners, which leads to installation of Security Center.

Following a fake scan, a message reports that your computer is infected and advises that you download and install Security Center in order to remove the detected infections. If you agree, the fake security scanner will infect your PC.

Security Center rogue program

The program starts automatically on system start-up and performs fake security checks. Warning messages are displayed in order to further scare you into purchasing this fake software.

If by mistake you have already bought this fake scanner, you should contact your credit card company and explain that you have been tricked into purchasing a fake computer antivirus program. This program is worthless - Security Center displays an identical security scan and generates an identical malware detection list on every computer it infects.

This rogue program merely imitates the processes of an antivirus program. When analysing Security Center, PCrisk could find no virus definition database, and therefore, this software is unable to detect security threats.

The best way to deal with this program is to eliminate it from your computer. Use this step-by-step guide to help you achieve this goal.

The following fake security messages are generated by Security Center:

"Security Center. Your computer is under threat from infection. Run instant shield protection to safeguard your data and prevent Internet access to your credit card information. Select this option to run instant shield."

"Security Center. Spyware.IEMonster process found. The virus is going to send your passwords from your Internet browser (Explorer, Mozilla FireFox, Outlook, and others) to third-parties. Click here for further protection of your data with Security Center."

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Quick menu:

Removal of Security center

Before downloading and installing, enter this key: D13F-3B7D-B3C5-BD84 in the activation window of this spyware. It will not remove the infection, but you should now be able to install spyware remover.

NOTE: If you cannot run or download the removal tool, download the registry fix file to enable execution of applications. Click on the link below, and when download completes, click Run, click Yes and then OK.

Security Center removal instructions (manual):

1. Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK.

During your computer starting process press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

alt

Video showing how to start Windows in "Safe Mode with Networking":

Windows XP:

Windows 7:

Windows 8:

2. Download the fix.reg file. After saving the file to your desktop, double click fix.reg and then click YES to confirm.

3. Open Internet Explorer, click Tools and select Internet Options. Select "Connections".

internet explorer internet options

 

internet explorer internet connections

 

4.Click LAN settings, if 'Use a proxy server for your LAN' is checked, uncheck it and press OK.

internet options lan settings

internet explorer proxy settings

 

 

 

 

 5. Download legitimate anti-spyware software to fully remove fake windows security center from your PC. Download Recommended Malware Remover to remove Security  Center.

Other tools known to remove Security Center:

Summary:

The fake antivirus programs (also known as "rogue antivirus programs" or "scareware") are applications that tries to lure computer users into paying for their non-existent full versions to remove the supposedly detected security infections (although the computer is actually clean). These bogus programs are created by cyber criminals who design them to look as legitimate antivirus software. Most commonly rogue antivirus programs infiltrate user's computer using poop-up windows or alerts which appear when users surf the Internet. These deceptive messages trick users into downloading a rogue antivirus program on their computers. Other known tactics used to spread scareware include exploit kits, infected email messages, online ad networks, drive-by downloads, or even direct calls to user's offering free support.

A computer that is infected with a fake antivirus program might also have other malware installed on it as rogue antivirus programs often are bundled with Trojans and exploit kits. Noteworthy that additional malware that infiltrates user's operating system remains on victim's computer regardless of whether a payment for a non-existent full version of a fake antivirus program is made. Here are some examples of fake security warning messages that are used in fake antivirus distribution:

Fake pop-up used in rogue antivirus distribution example 1

Fake pop-up used in rogue antivirus distribution example 2

Computer users who are dealing with a rogue security software shouldn't buy it's full version. By paying for a license key of a fake antivirus program users would send their money and banking information to cyber criminals. Users who have already entered their credit card number (or other sensitive information) when asked by such bogus software should inform their credit card company that they have been tricked into buying a rogue security software. Screenshot of a web page used to lure computer users into paying for a non-existent full version of security center rogue and other rogue antivirus programs:

example of a webpage used to collect payments for fake antivirus programs

To protect your computer from security center rogue and other rogue antivirus programs users should:

  • Keep their operating system and all of the installed programs up-to-date.
  • Use legitimate antivirus and anti-spyware programs.
  • Use caution when clicking on links in social networking websites and email messages.
  • Don't trust online pop-up messages which state that your computer is infected and offers you to download security software.

Symptoms indicating that your operating system is infected with a fake antivirus program:

  • Intrusive security warning pop-up messages.
  • Alerts asking to upgrade to a paid version of a program to remove the supposedly detected malware.
  • Slow computer performance.
  • Disabled Windows updates.
  • Blocked Task Manager.
  • Blocked Internet browsers or inability to visit legitimate antivirus vendor websites.

If you have additional information on security center rogue or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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About PCrisk

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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Security Center Rogue QR code
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