🚨 Think Your Free Antivirus Is Protecting You? Think Again.

When you’re trying to protect your business or personal devices, downloading antivirus software seems like the smart move.

But what if the downloaded antivirus itself is the threat?

⚠️ The New Scam

Cybercriminals are creating fake websites that look nearly identical to trusted security brands like Avast, Bitdefender, and Malwarebytes. These sites often use SEO poisoning or malvertising to appear in search results or online ads. One recent case involved a cloned site with a convincing layout and a “Download” button.

The catch? Clicking it didn’t install protection—it installed VenomRAT, a type of malware that gives attackers full control of your computer.

What Can VenomRAT Do?

• Steal passwords and login credentials
• Record everything you type
• Access your webcam
• Hijack cryptocurrency wallets

🎯 The Real Goal

This isn’t just spying, it’s stealing. Hackers are after your financial accounts, personal data, and business credentials, which they can exploit or sell.

And it’s not just antivirus brands being faked. Banks, IT companies, and other trusted names are being impersonated too—even hosted on legitimate platforms like Amazon to appear more convincing.

Why It Matters

🏢 For Businesses:

• Compromised company data
• Exposed customer information
• Costly downtime and recovery
• Long-term damage to your reputation

🧑‍💻 For Consumers:

• Identity theft
• Financial loss
• Privacy invasion
• Locked or wiped devices

✅ How to Stay Safe

Whether you’re protecting a company or your own devices:

• Double-check website URLs before downloading anything
• Only download software from official sources
• Avoid clicking links in emails or messages unless you’re sure they’re safe
• Work with trusted IT professionals to verify suspicious sites or software

Cybercriminals don’t just rely on technical tricks—they count on people being busy and clicking fast. A few extra seconds of caution can save you from weeks of damage control.

From our Weekly Tech Update: https://actsmartit.com/fake-antivirus-website/