Fake Spyware Warning

Have you ever received a spyware warning via email? How can you tell if it's for real?

Or what if the warning is fake? Or worse, what if the spyware warning is trying to get you infected?

Recently, I received an email which warned me:

Spyware has been detected on your PC.

Your OS is at risk of being attacked by new viruses!
Microsoft Security Team strongly recommends you to remove the infection:
http://....

More info: http://...

Thank you,
Microsoft Antimalware Team

I get wary of such "warnings" which require me to visit a link. I'm not saying the link will definitely get your computer infected with some kind of virus or malware. But are you willing to take the risk?

Let's practice safe computing. Even if the email comes from some email address we know, don't assume that the message is legit. Try to keep a healthy level of skepticism, especially when an email is able to magically detect that your computer is infected.

[ First posted on 05/14/2008 by Manuel Viloria ]