That’s because when you click YES, malware downloads onto your computer. Same with clicking YES on a fake anti-virus pop-up. Or YES for an ad on a legitimate website.
What?? You can get malware from a legitimate website?
YES. Unfortunately, perfectly legitimate websites can contain ads that have been compromised without the host site knowing about it. Today you can also get malware (viruses, spyware, worms, trojan horses, etc.) from videos, drivers, spoofed exit boxes or uninstall buttons… even flash animation.
Malware is actually very advanced programming. And it’s such a big problem because there’s a LOT of money to be made by stealing passwords, credit card numbers, bank accounts, and of course, entire identities. Another common moneymaker: selling “software” that supposedly removes “infections” that a pop-up (malware) says you have. The software is actually more malware that further infects your computer. Nasty, huh?
Leapfrog gets up to 150 calls a month about malware infections so even the smartest frog can be fooled. So what should you do?
1. Educate yourself because malware is here to stay. Check out the links below (only takes a few minutes).
Four Tips for Malware Protection
Why is Rogue/Fake AV so successful?
2. Don’t save your passwords on your computer even though it’s easier. Store them someplace else.
3. The minute you feel something’s weird about your computer — it’s running slower or pop-ups are behaving oddly, for example — STOP! Call Leapfrog. If we catch the infection early, we can usually get rid of it in a few minutes. Otherwise, it could take hours to remove and might even require an on-site visit.
