More Virus problems on computers

I was at work and found this information and wanted to let all my family and friends know the information so they can keep their computer safe.

Rogue Anti-Virus Software: A PC threat both at work and at home

Hackers are disguising malware in the form of anti virus tools and the products look real but they're not. Here's what you need to know to not be fooled.
Have you heard any of these names:
· Antivirus 2009
· Antivirus 2008
· XP Antivirus
· XP Antivirus 2008
· XP Antivirus 2009
· Antivirus XP Pro 2009
If you have, these are not real anti virus programs, but are all part of the same family of malware that performs devious tactics when run or executed to get you to purchase rogue anti-spyware programs and/or to turn your PC into a zombie.
What is a Rogue Anti-Virus Program?
Antivirus XP Pro 2009, along with a growing list of similarly named malware, is a type of rogue anti-virus program. Rogue anti-virus programs are fake programs that are designed to disguise and behave just like a legitimate virus removal application. Rogue anti-virus programs are usually created by hackers who attempt to take your money and/or take over your PC through devious tactics. Rogue anti-virus programs use pop-ups, fake scans and alert messages to convince you that your system has been infected. Rogue anti-virus may scan your system displaying erroneous results of viruses present on your computer. They may also cause damage to your computer, disable features designed to enable you to restore the PC to a prior state, turn your PC into a zombie PC that is part of a botnet, and can be very difficult to remove.
Not only are the creators of these rogue anti-virus programs intent on stealing your money, but they are equally intent on compromising your privacy, stealing your identity, capturing your passwords (through installed key loggers), stealing company IP, and making your home or work PC part of their botnet to spam and scam others.
Does this sound pretty scary?
Well it should! On December 2, 2008 the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland issued a temporary restraining order against Innovative Marketing, Inc. and Byte Hosting Internet Services, LLC after receiving a request from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). According to the FTC, the combined malware including XP Antivirus has fooled over one million people into purchasing the software marketed as security products. The court also froze the assets of the companies in an effort to provide some monetary reimbursement to affected victims. The FTC established claims that the companies established an elaborate ruse that duped Internet advertising networks and popular Web sites into carrying their advertisements.
Antivirus XP Pro 2009 and it's similarly named variants, is a series of rogue antispyware applications that were created with the intent of sabotaging your computer. Antivirus XP Pro 2009 is a clone of the infamous Antivirus 2008. By the way, the author of this article has personal experience with XP Antivirus 2008 - after a week of evenings spent using $80 of removal tools guaranteed to remove the infection, I resorted to rebuilding my home PC.
Generally, Antivirus XP Pro 2009 comes up after you installed a video codec (encoding and decoding of video files) that comes with some form of malware, usually a Trojan, or virus. Antivirus XP Pro 2009 normally generates fake and misleading system popup error messages so end-users will be tricked into purchasing Antivirus XP Pro 2009. See the screen shot below for some of the fake infection alert screens used also note that the sources of the rogue anti-virus programs have been regularly updating the interface to better fool their potential victims:
An important point can be made here be familiar with the anti-virus software that you have installed and are using on your PC (both at work and at home). In particular, be familiar with the update screens and the control center. This familiarity will help you recognize a rogue anti-virus program screen for the fake that it is. If it doesn't look exactly like your currently anti-virus software, avoid it all together the safest way to close a fake is by shutting it down through your Task Manager. Oftentimes, closing the pop-up using the cancel or box in the upper right corner of the screen has the same end result as clicking OK or Install.
How to prevent being scammed on your home PC
Protect your computer from rogue anti-virus programs and scams by following these four easy prevention rules.
· Keep your Windows Security up-to-dateMicrosoft provides updates weekly and can always be downloaded manually from the Microsoft website. Tip: Regularly visit Windows Update and set your computer to receive security & critical updates automatically. To get Microsoft Update, go to IE > Tools > Windows Update > Product Updates, and select "ALL High-Priority Security Updates" from the list. Then open IE and go to Internet Options > Security > Internet, then press "Default Level", then OK. Now press "Custom Level."
· Download and install a reliable version of anti-virus/anti-spyware softwareA good anti-virus/anti-spyware program that recognizes current Antivirus XP Pro 2009 spyware as well as other forms of spyware, can significantly help prevent installation of rogue anti-spyware programs
· Install and keep your firewall turned onA firewall is essential for a comprehensive protection of your PC. Make sure that your firewall is always turned on. A firewall can prevent unwanted software like Antivirus XP Pro 2009 from infecting your computer. A firewall is typically included in the cable or DSL connection device provided by your ISP.
· Keep your anti-spyware definitions up-to-dateSince new Antivirus XP Pro 2009 files can be created every day, it is important to keep your anti-spyware program up-to-date. Your anti-spyware scanner should have an update feature that provides new spyware definitions instantly with a click of a button. Often, legitimate anti-spyware software will open an update window reminding you that there are new updates available. In both cases, either at work and at home, make sure you are using appropriate backup tools at work this would be CNB. Should you have to rebuild either you work or home system, make sure all your critical files are backed up prior to rebuilding the system.