Technology
Warning to NEVER click this Windows message – or you could ruin your computer forever
MICROSOFT is about to launch Windows 11 proper – and scammers are already using it to hoodwink new victims.
These convincing scams could totally take over your PC.
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MicrosoftWindows 11 launches later this year, and redesigns the PC experience[/caption]
KasperskyFake versions of Windows 11 can leave your PC riddled with dodgy software[/caption]
Windows is one of the world’s most popular operating systems.
In fact, Windows 10 is already running on billions of machines globally, despite being just a few years old.
Windows 11 replaces it, bringing new features and a redesigned look that’s far cleaner.
It’s already available in “beta test” form, but won’t release to the general public for many months.
So hackers are now creating scam installers for Windows 11 that hack your machine, as revealed by cyber-experts at Kaspersky.
“The most straightforward way cybercriminals deceive users is by slipping in something extra,” said Kaspersky’s Anton V. Ivanov.
If you find any software offering Windows 11 online right now, ignore it.
Downloading the test version of Windows 11 is possible, but should only be done through the official Microsoft website.
Any website promising full versions of Windows 11 online should be treated with extreme caution.
“Kaspersky products have already defeated several hundred infection attempts that used similar Windows 11-related schemes,” Anton, from Kaspersky, explained.
“A large portion of that malware consists of downloaders, whose task is to download and run other programs.
“Those other programs can be very wide-ranging.
“From relatively harmless adware…to full-fledged Trojans, password stealers, exploits and other nasty stuff.”
One example of a fake Windows 11 installer found by Kaspersky was extremely convincing.
It had the file name 86307_windows 11 build 21996.1 x64 + activator.exe.
And it had a file size of 1.75GB, which is large enough to be a convincing Windows 11 download.
However, the bulk of the download is a “useless” DLL file crammed with information.
Opening the program kickstarts something that looks like a Windows installer.
It includes a license agreement, adding to its apparent legitimacy.
But the software installs secondary “malicious” programs that could wreak havoc on your machine.
Installing unknown third-party software can leave you open to being a victim of fraud, spying, ransomware, and even having your PC wiped.
To get the test version of Windows 11, access it through the official Microsoft website here.
KasperskyWatch out for any installers claiming to offer Windows 11 – unless you downloaded it directly from Microsoft[/caption]
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