Trojan: Trojan.Fakealert.5115
- Virus type: Trojan horse
- Affects: Windows 95 and up
- Other names for Trojan.Fakealert.5115: Antivirus Pro 2010
Description
Trojan.Fakealert.5115 is a fake antivirus program called Antivirus Pro 2010. It appears as an icon in the system tray, and pretends to be the Windows Security Center, warning that your anti-virus is out of date and needs updating. When run it displays false warnings to make you think your computer is infected. When you try to remove the infection using the program, it asks you to purchase the full version to enable removal.
This program also downloads other Trojans on to your computer such as Trojan.Fakealert.4709 and Trojan.Fakealert.5112. Trojan.Fakealert.5115 also hijacks your web browser, redirecting you to websites containing advertisements. It blocks access to other security software websites in order to make removal difficult.
Prevention
To avoid Trojan.Fakealert.5115 and similar malware in future:
- Never download and install software from sites you aren't sure of (including file sharing networks.)
- Use a good anti-virus that detects Trojans as well as viruses, such as Kaspersky AntiVirus or Dr.Web anti-virus.
- Only use well-known and trusted anti-spyware such as PC Tools Spyware Doctor.
Removal
Manual removal of Trojan.Fakealert.5115 is difficult as many files and registry entries are associated with it. Please see our tutorial Help! I've got a virus!
If you are not confident about being able to remove the Trojan yourself, you can purchase the Virus Removal and Computer Tune-Up package and a professional technician will connect to your computer via your Internet connection and remove it for you.