PandaLabs warns of ProtectionBar, a new adware program that tricks users

The program downloads a series of supposed security programs that try to trick users by informing them that their computer is infected with malware that doesnít exist

This system allows its creators to make a profit from users in whose computers each program is installed without them realising

Panda Software warns of a new adware program called ProtectionBar, which tries to trick users by installing false security programs on their computers. These programs inform users that their computer is infected by threats that do not exist or show fictitious errors. Then they threaten users so that they buy the license in order to delete the malware supposedly detected. The aim of this system is to earn a profit for the developers of these programs, who will share it with the creators of ProtectionBar.

This system for earning an income is nothing new. Supposed antispyware programs have been detected in the past, like RazeSpyware or SpySheriff, which kindly offered to clean usersí computers of spyware that didnít exist or had been installed by the application itself for a modest fee. Certain coincidences in all of these applications could suggest that they belong to the same creator.

According to Luis Corrons, Director of PandaLabs, îThe risks of surfing the Internet include the possibility of being tricked by applications that try to make users believe that they want to help them, or even threaten them with serious consequences to their computers if they donít buy their alleged security solutions. What they are really doing is playing with the userís confidence and concerns, offering a product that does not do anything, which they wouldnít otherwise buy.î Corrons adds, ìWhen deciding which security solution to install, users should not base this decision on threats or tricks, but on objective facts, such as the technologies included in the solution or whether it can combat unknown threats.î

To help as many users as possible scan and disinfect their systems, Panda Software offers its free, online anti-malware solution, Panda ActiveScan, which now also detects spyware, at http://www.activescan.com. Webmasters who would like to include ActiveScan on their websites can get the HTML code, free from