Author Topic: FAKE Avast AV  (Read 2762 times)

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Offline Jim352

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FAKE Avast AV
« on: May 17, 2019, 07:58:06 PM »
I have accidentally downloaded a "semi-fake" Avast AV.   It has nearly destroyed my computer.   I was wanting Avast due to Win7 support ending.    I would greatly appreciate any advice you might have.   Have you heard of this happening to others?  Thank you!   

notes:    it has added a registry key that is locked and can't be deleted.   I can delete it in safe mode, but soon as computer boots, it's back.   

I am emailing from another computer.   Mine will no longer even boot up in safe mode.     

Offline Pondus

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Re: FAKE Avast AV
« Reply #1 on: May 17, 2019, 09:52:10 PM »
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I have accidentally downloaded a "semi-fake" Avast AV.
What is semi-fake ?



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Mine will no longer even boot up in safe mode.   
If it want boot then there is nothing to do


Offline Jim352

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Re: FAKE Avast AV
« Reply #2 on: May 20, 2019, 01:20:37 PM »
you really with Avast?   

what is semi-fake?  Google it.

if it won't boot there is nothing to do.   boot from CD/DVD

I managed to clean and repair with diskpart, so you can disregard. 

based on your "expertise" I don't think I will select Avast moving forward.

Thank you.

Offline Be Secure

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Re: FAKE Avast AV
« Reply #3 on: May 20, 2019, 01:26:19 PM »
you really with Avast?   

what is ?  Google it.

if it won't boot there is nothing to do.   boot from CD/DVD

I managed to clean and repair with diskpart, so you can disregard. 

based on your "expertise" I don't think I will select Avast moving forward.

Thank you.
Hey! Here is a blog about Attack of the semi-fake antivirus by avast(2011): https://blog.avast.com/2011/03/17/attack-of-the-semi-fake-antivirus/

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go directly to the company website. And when in doubt, leave. As the fine print on one suspect site states: ”If you do not understand or do not agree to be bound by this privacy policy, you must immediately leave the website.”
« Last Edit: May 20, 2019, 01:31:57 PM by Be Secure »
PC- Windows10 EDU 64Bit,avast! free 21.1.2449,uBlock Origin,NVT_OSA,GoogleChrome(64bit),CCleaner,Unchecky,ZAM Free,Shadow Defender.
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Offline Pondus

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Re: FAKE Avast AV
« Reply #4 on: May 20, 2019, 01:26:45 PM »
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based on your "expertise" I don't think I will select Avast moving forward.
;D

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you really with Avast?
No ... who say i am?

This is a user forum so most answers here will be from avast users



Offline mchain

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Re: FAKE Avast AV
« Reply #5 on: May 20, 2019, 09:17:11 PM »
"Accidentally downloaded" semi-fake Avast A/V as in a download for some other file and avast was installed without your permission?  [Bundled install]

https://unchecky.com/

Or, downloaded as in didn't mean to, it was a mistake?

Windows 10 Home 64-bit 22H2 Avast Premier Security version 24.1.6099 (build 24.1.88821.762)  UI version 1.0.797
 UI version 1.0.788.  Windows 11 Home 23H2 - Windows 11 Pro 23H2 Avast Premier Security version 24.2.6105 (build 24.1.8918.827) UI version 1.0.801

Offline Jim352

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Re: FAKE Avast AV
« Reply #6 on: May 20, 2019, 11:36:05 PM »
unchecky looks like a good thing.

 the primary difference here is they did not ask for any money.  it just played sound files about how he can't accept America in it's current state.   

sorry for thinking user worked for avast...   



Offline Jim352

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Re: FAKE Avast AV
« Reply #7 on: May 20, 2019, 11:38:28 PM »
no not bundle.  bad link and I don't recall if I was in Bing or Google.  but yes, downloaded.   fell hook line and sinker.  it appeared to function like the real thing, apparently as it hacked away in the background. 

Offline stibi

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Re: FAKE Avast AV
« Reply #8 on: May 21, 2019, 10:29:38 AM »
I would go back to an image from the system before that happened - always better than searching for problems at various places