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Security Central

Also Known As: Security Central Rogue
Damage level: High

What is Security Central?

Security Central is a fake computer security scanner distributed via misleading websites. When entering these sites, a fake security scan is performed - one that does not actually scan your computer.

After the fake scan, you are informed that multiple infections were found on your computer during the scan.

Security Central rogue program

To remove the 'detected' infections, you will be asked to install Security Central. If you install this fake scanner and restart your computer, you will see the main window of this rogue program performing a security scan.

After the scan, you will be presented with a list of 'infections', and if you click "Remove All", you will be advised to purchase a full version of the program. You should not buy this program, it is completely useless. It merely imitates security scans and the results are false.

You should ignore them and remove this fake scanner from your computer. Security Central coerces computer users into purchasing a license key in order to remove the 'detected' security errors.

In fact, this bogus software does not scan your computer for security issues, since it does not have the required features to perform such functions. The information displayed by Security Central is falsely generated, since the same security threats are 'detected' on each computer it infects.

You should not trust this program - it is an imitation of a legitimate antivirus program. Use the removal guide provided to eliminate it from your computer.

The following fake security warning messages are shown to further scare you into purchasing this fake scanner: 

"Security Central Firewall Alert. Your computer is being attacked from a remote machine! Block Internet access to your computer to prevent system infection. Attacker IP: Attack type: RCPT exploit."

"Security Central. Your computer is under the infection threat. Run instant shield protection to safe your data and prevent internet access to your credit card information. Select this to run instant shield."

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Quick menu:

Automatic removal of Security central

Before downloading and installing, enter this key: D13F-3B7D-B3C5-BD84 in the activation window of this spyware (this registration code worked with a previous version of this misleading program). It will not remove the infection, but you should now be able to install spyware remover

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

Security Central virus 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 Security Central from your PC. Download Recommended Anti-spyware to remove Security  Central

Other tools known to remove Security Central:

If you are unable to remove Security Central, you can use these manual removal instructions. Use them at your own risk, since if you do not have strong computer knowledge, you could harm your operating system.

Use them only if you are an experienced computer user. (Instructions on how to end processes, remove registry entries...)

End these Security Central processes:

[RANDOM CHARACTERS].exe

Remove these Security Central registry entries:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run "2ef60fed-027a-457c-9737-17ac37f7b7f7"

Delete these Security Central files:

%AllUsersProfile%\Application Data\2ef60fed-027a-457c-9737-17ac37f7b7f7.dat
%AppData%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\Security Central.lnk
%UserProfile%\Desktop\Security Central.lnk
%Temp%ins3.tmp
%Temp%mv4.tmp
%Temp%wrk5.tmp

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 central rogue and other rogue antivirus programs:

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

To protect your computer from security central 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 central 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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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 Central Rogue QR code
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