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February 13th, 2013

Avast antivirus 2012 trial? No, just a scam

I don’t know what kind of curiosity leads people to the dark corners of the internet, when they want to obtain a new version of antivirus software. It’s somehow irrational to find security software at insecure places. But…. it happens.

FP submission

FP submission

As you can see, the file name is Avast_Antivirus_2012_Trial_Verion.exe – but it is definitely not a proper setup released by us. Here are some facts, that are worth remembering:

  • we don’t distribute new versions through grayzone portals. The best way to download recent version is to visit www.avast.com
  • our original setup package is properly signed with a valid certificate
  • our original setup has a typical “a” icon

The mentioned file from FP submission was not downloaded from the official source. It has no digital signature and no icon. In fact, it is a dangerous bootkit dropper – Sirefef/ZeroAccess – which no one really wants to have.

VT analysis: https://www.virustotal.com/en-gb/file/990974a2a557796c8ad2a8fbd1cd59a1867a8557f7a5fe7fb9e508f52874ce3f/analysis/1360768918/

 

    Categories: analyses, Virus Lab Tags: , , , , ,
    1. Franklinite
      February 14th, 2013 at 12:55 | #1
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      So, as I have downloaded this program from download.cnet.com, are you saying I am at risk? What sites which partner with you would be safe to download from? Thanks!

    2. Michal Krejdl
      February 14th, 2013 at 17:39 | #2
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      @Franklinite
      Cnet.com is a respected and trustworthy download provider. The setup obtained there is properly signed by us, everything is fine and legitimate.

    3. ludoles
      February 15th, 2013 at 18:23 | #3
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      I always check out this website before buying anti-virus software – http://www.windowsmac.com – My personal favourite is AVG because it does what it says and i like the fact that it’s as unobtrusive as possible.

    4. Clearspace
      February 16th, 2013 at 12:47 | #4
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      @ludoles and anyone: Websense ThreatSeeker reports http://www.windowsmac.com as a malicious site through VirusTotal. Install VTzilla for Firefox, Chrome & IE @ https://www.virustotal.com/en/documentation/browser-extensions/ and right click a hyperlink choosing ‘Scan with VirusTotal’ for approx 30 virus scanners reports before you visit it. This is just a start to really research a site. The controversy over ‘Websense’ and ‘WOT’ has become understandable as i understand more and do my own research. As usual thanks Avast for putting your hearts into a continually refined product that is not “dummied” down!

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