The term SmitFraud is used to describe a type of
spyware that tricks users into purchasing
fake
antispyware and antivirus programs. SmitFraud is a
Trojan that is most commonly
distributed through fake
codec downloads. When attempting to play a video, for
example, a user may be warned that a codec, such as VideoKeyCodec or BrainCodec, is
missing and then download it. The user is unaware that this is a hoax and the
fake codec is carrying, and will install, a form of SmitFraud on the system.
Once installed the
malware will start showing
pop-ups indicating that the system
is infected with
viruses and spyware. These pop-ups will show an alarming number
of infections and provide links to
Web sites where users can purchase the
antivirus program to remove these infections. The problem is that this malware
is not showing real infections, and it is simply tricking victims into purchasing
a fake antispyware or antivirus program. Users may not even have an infection on
their system, other than the SmitFraud program itself that is warning you of
serious, multiple infections.
May also be seen written as Smitfraud or smitfraud.
See "The
Difference Between a Virus, Worm and Trojan Horse" in the
Did You Know? section
of Webopedia.
Also see "Anti-virus
and Anti-spyware Software: What's The Difference?" in the
Did You Know? section
of Webopedia.
