Warning: PC is at risk
“Warning: PC is at risk” is a fake scan result posted by rogue security application. This finding instantly appears on the system if there are presence of WiniShield and Antispyware Webscanner. These programs are fake and so as the scan result published by both software.
The alert attempts to intimidate users by fabricating virus scan results showing a number of severe infections. In the end, it recommends a virus removal but victims must have to purchase the registered version of an endorsed product first. This approach by counterfeit antivirus program can effectively steal money from innocent users. By purchasing the fake antivirus, user’s does not only shelled out a sum of money but also jeopardizes its own credit card account by submitting confidential information to a fraudulent payment processing web site.
The next time you came across with false alert like “Warning: PC is at risk,” immediately run a full security scan on your system. Alternatively, downloading free and legitimate anti-malware software will help remove presence of potentially unwanted application.
Screen Shot Images:
Technical Details and Additional Information:
Damage Level: Medium
Systems Affected: Windows 9x, 2000, XP, Vista, Windows 7
Malware Behavior
Fake security scan result may appear even if user did not initiate a virus check. This is purely an act of rogue security software aiming to deceive user. The fake result will consists of detected threats and frightening message like this:
Attention: scan results
Warning: PC is at risk
During the scan AntiSpyware has detected 297 dangerous threats to be removed
It is highly recommended to remove all these unwanted threats from your PC right now!
How to Remove Warning: PC is at risk
1. Temporarily Disable System Restore (Windows Me/XP). [how to]
2. Open your antivirus application and update the virus definition file. This method ensures that your antivirus program can detect even newer variants of 'Warning: PC is at risk'
3. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking.
- From a power-off state, turn on the computer and press F8 on your keyboard repeatedly.
- Your computer will display Windows Advanced Boot Options menu. Please select Safe Mode with Networking.
- The system will now boot Windows and loads only necessary drivers and files.
4. Open your antivirus program and run a full system scan. After the scan, delete all infected items. If unable, better place them in quarantine. Once the scan is complete, please proceed with the next step.
Online Virus Scanner:
Another way to remove 'Warning: PC is at risk' without the need to install additional antivirus application is to perform a thorough scan with free online virus scanner that can be found here or on websites of legitimate anti-virus and security provider.
5. Go to Online Virus Scanner list and run a virus scan. This may require plug-ins, add-on or Activex object, please install if you want to proceed with scan.
6. After completing the necessary download, your system is now ready for online virus scanning.
7. Select an option in which you can thoroughly scan the computer to make sure that it will find and delete entirely all infections not detected on previous scan.
8. Remove or delete all detected items.
9. When scanning is finished you may now restart the computer in normal mode.