Rogue:W32/TotalDefender

Classification

Category :

Riskware

Type :

Rogue

Summary

Dishonest antivirus or antispyware software which tricks users into buying or installing it, usually by infecting a user's computer, or by pretending the computer is infected.

Removal

Based on the settings of your F-Secure security product, it may block the file from running, move it to the quarantine where it cannot spread or cause harm, or ask you to select an action.

A False Positive is when a file is incorrectly detected as harmful, usually because its code or behavior resembles known harmful programs. A False Positive will usually be fixed in a subsequent database update without any action needed on your part. If you wish, you may also:

  • Check for the latest database updates

    First check if your F-Secure security program is using the latest updates, then try scanning the file again.

  • Submit a sample

    After checking, if you still believe the file is incorrectly detected, you can submit a sample of it for re-analysis.

    Note: If the file was moved to quarantine, you need to collect the file from quarantine before you can submit it.

  • Exclude a file from further scanning

    If you are certain that the file is safe and want to continue using it, you can exclude it from further scanning by the F-Secure security product.

    Note: You need administrative rights to change the settings.

Technical Details

This is the family description for the TotalDefender family of rogue antimalware programs.

Like most rogueware families, programs from the TotalDefender family will scan the computer system and then display fake alert messages stating that the system has been compromised. To deal with the supposed infections, the user is required to purchase a license to 'fully utilize' the program and/or 'enable' its disinfection functionality.

Installation

A typical installation from this rogueware family installs component files in:

  • %Program Files%\ [Name] Defender\

And adds the following registry key:

  • &HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\[Name] Defender\

Where [Name] will typically be:

  • Windows
  • Total
  • IE
  • Malware

For example, the registry key may appear as HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Windows Defender\.