The number of computer users being trapped by dodgy security software is increasing, according to a recent study by security firm Symantec. Usually this fake software is advertised using banner adverts telling users that their system is infected with a virus or needs a security scan. But once the user clicks on the advert they are taken to the scammers’ website, where they will be pressured into buying the software on offer.

Once installed, the fake anti-viruses typically install other viruses and malware which is then used to steal confidential information such as bank and credit card details. Another facet of this is that the software will also try to suppress any other security software currently installed on the system, opening the floodgates for more malware to find it’s way onto the system.

The problem with this scam is that even if the user manages to safeguard their data, they have still lost out by paying for the software in the first place. This software does nothing of any use, and the money will end up with criminal gangs who make millions a year from the scheme. Fake review sites are also helping the criminals by giving a falsely positive view of the software they are trying to hawk to their unwitting victims.

Symantec is warning that up to 40 million people may have fallen foul of this scam in the last 12 months alone, a sign that things are not improving at all. The company is warning users to be ever more vigilant and to only trust known brands when buying anti-viruses and other similar applications. However, with more and more novice computer users going online all the time, and for longer periods, the chances of them being caught out are increasing too.

The US government has continued with its cyber-security initiative this year, with the main focus being what they term “cyber hygiene”. They want people to think more about the information they divulge over the internet and to be more wary of messages they receive via e-mail and social networking.

With the numbers of phishing attacks rising, organisers are keen to convince users that they should be suspicious of all messages from banks and other organisations, to ensure their personal data is not compromised. Of course, all banks and financial institutions already tell their customers to never divulge account information and that their staff will never ask for it, but it seems some people are still falling for some of the oldest online scams.

419 attacks, involving using someone’s identity to ask friends and acquaintances for money, are also on the rise. These attacks usually take place over social networks like Twitter and Facebook, but can also happen over instant messaging networks.

Security experts are also warning people to be ever-cautious of the information they divulge in the public domain, seeing as determined criminals can gather enough personal information over a wide spread of mediums to build up a convincing fake message with which to scam friends and relatives.

Let’s hope this initiative works out well and gives people enough information about how to avoid being scammed over the internet.