AntiVirus Gold

AntiVirus Gold is rogue software developed by ICommerce Solutions S.A. that poses as a legitimate antivirus program.[1] It attempts to persuade users to buy the software by displaying ads and other nagware. It is believed that the name of the program is an attempt at social engineering to confuse people about the legitimate program AVG Anti-Virus.

Not to be confused with the legitimate AVG line of antivirus programs.
AntiVirus Gold
AntiVirus Gold interface running Windows.
Common nameAntivirusGold
Technical name
  • As Anti Virus Golden or Antispyware Gold
  • SpyAxe Variant
  • As Titan Shield
AliasesAntivirus Golden, Antispyware Gold, AntiSpyGolden, AntiSpyKit, Adware Delete, SpyAxe, SpyFalcon, MalwareWiped, Spyware Sheriff, Spyware Strike, TitanShield Antispyware, Virusblast, a clone of Spysheriff
FamilySmitfraud and SpySherriff
TypeScareware and malware
SubtypeRogue software
Author(s)ICommerce Solutions S.A.
Operating system(s) affectedWindows
Discontinued
  • AntiVirus Gold
    • Q4 2005
  • Antivirus Golden
    • Circa Q3-Q4 2008

AntiVirus Gold may be downloaded in a bundle with other software or by some Trojan horse software.[2] Antivirus Gold has also been rebranded under many names such as Antivirus Golden and Antispyware Gold.[3]

Symptoms of infection

In a typical infection, the desktop wallpaper is modified and an advertisement is displayed urging the user to buy Antivirus Gold. Upon clicking on the message, a web browser is opened to point to www.AntiVirus-Gold.com.[1] Users have also reported that they are being directed to the site after clicking on the infected desktop. The program attempts to reinstall itself after a reboot if removed by uninstalling or system restore.[4]

Removal

AntiVirus Gold is detected by common anti-virus programs, including CA Antispyware, the Norton family of security products, and AVG Anti-Virus.[5] Anti-malware programs, such as Malwarebytes' AntiMalware, are also very effective in detecting and removing rogue software such as AntiVirus Gold.

See also

References
  1. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2008-03-14. Retrieved 2008-08-19.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  2. "How to remove Antivirus Gold or AVGold - Spyware and Malware Removal Guides Archive". Retrieved 11 November 2018.
  3. "Spyware Warrior: Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites". www.spywarewarrior.com. Retrieved 11 November 2018.
  4. "AntiVirusGold - Symantec". www.symantec.com. Retrieved 11 November 2018.
  5. "AVG Antivirus Experience by Harry Brown". Retrieved 30 November 2019.
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