Antivirus Software Alerts are usually very useful notices telling a subscriber that they either are exposed to or have downloaded a virus, Trojan or other malware perhaps by visiting an infected website, or clicking on a link that automatically downloads the virus.
Under normal circumstances, the alert sounds before the problem but more often than not it will only show when a system virus scan is completed.
Antivirus Alerts and Antivirus Software: Most antivirus software packages include the alert as a normal part of the program and it will give an audible warning as well as a visual notification of the danger.
It is usually not apparent to the subscriber unless the warning needs to be given.
When the alert becomes visual, the customer can then deal with the danger as directed by the alert notice.
Sometimes this might just simply be to cancel a request to visit a suspicious website or to cancel a download.
On other occasions, it might require downloading other software to remove a specific or unique infection.
It is very important to take a warning seriously and to take action it to prevent what could potentially be a virus with the ability to steal personal and confidential information such as steal your bank account details and cause a LOT of headaches for you.
Sham Alerts and Malware: Some malware is now being spread that causes a program to be installed on the computer that mimics an antivirus software alert, and can become quite a problem popping up and sounding audibly constantly.
This may initially create a fear of a hidden virus infecting the computer, but when this happens constantly, the subscriber usually realizes that there is a problem with the software rather than there being a virus itself.
If you see an Antivirus Software Alert warning regularly, then initially check your antivirus software provider for help in deciding if you do have a virus or if you have inadvertently been infected with the fake alert software.
This will then help you decide how you will deal with the problem.
It is important to also take note of when the alert shows itself.
If it is attached to the start up menu, you will see it immediately you turn on your computer and this means the virus may be infecting your system software.
If it is a malfunction of your own software, then seek help to UN-install the alert function and then RE-install it.
If it is a fake alert virus then you will need to download and run antivirus software to remove the infection from your system.