Don’t invite malware onto your computer

Dear PropellerHeads: A window just popped up on my computer telling me that Windows Police PRO had detected viruses. What should I do?

Answer: First, take a few deep breaths and relax. It's not as bad as it sounds. You do have malicious software on your computer, and it's called Windows Police PRO. This putrid little program secretly installs itself on your computer and then tries to trick you into buying a virus removal tool by reporting bogus viruses.

Programs such as this are classified as malware, a broad category that includes viruses, bots and spyware. Don't fall for the ruse and give them your credit-card number. If you already have, let your bank know that you've been scammed. Perhaps it can stop the charge from going through.

The best way to get rid of such malware is with a reputable malware removal tool, such as MalWareBytes (http://www.malwarebytes.org), Spybot Search and Destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org), AdAware (http://www.lavasoft.com) or AVG Anti-Virus (http://free.avg.com). All are free.

Microsoft also has a free malicious software removal tool at http://bit.ly/a2G0. Most commercial security software, such as Trend Micro (http://us.trendmicro.com), Norton (http://www.norton.com) and McAfee (http://home.mcafee.com), also offers protection for a price.

If those don't work, try a manual removal. Google "windows police pro," and you will find several Web sites that offer step-by-step removal instructions.

So, how does malware get on your computer? Like vampires, they have to be invited. Most malware cannot gain access to your system without your cooperation. The most likely culprit is a link you clicked on a compromised Web site.

Searching for Jessica Biel, screensavers or song lyrics is likely to land you on a page containing malware, according to a recent study by McAfee (http://bit.ly/Lzlhm). Then they will try to trick you into clicking an infected link that will download something like Windows Police PRO onto your computer.

But don't think you're safe by sticking to legitimate Web sites. These are sometimes compromised by hackers as well. If a link looks suspicious, don't click it. And if clicking a link causes a notification to appear asking if you want to run a program, do not click OK unless you are absolutely, positively sure that it is legitimate.

For more information, check out "How Does Spyware, Malware or Crapware Get on My Computer" at How-To Geek (http://bit.ly/13XfiK).

There are several versions of this type of malware, such as Antispyware 200x, SpywareStop and Green AV. If you see some sort of "virus scan," whatever the name, being initiated when you are on a Web site, close your browser immediately. Don't try to click the cancel button in the popup. The malware is running in your browser, and closing it should prevent the malware from getting a foothold on your system.

After you remove the malware, be sure to install good security software, such as the three commercial products mentioned above. It wouldn't hurt to periodically run a MalwareBytes scan as well, because no software catches every single malware program.

And for goodness' sake, stop searching for Jessica Biel, song lyrics and screensavers!