How To Protect Your PC Against Rogue Registry Cleaners

A registry cleaner sounds like something useful for your computer, right?  A rogue registry cleaner, however, is something very different.  While they may claim to help clean-up your computer and optimize its performance, in most cases, they’ll do exactly the opposite.

What Is A Registry Cleaner?

A registry cleaner is a piece of software designed for computers utilizing Windows operating system. The goal is to remove unnecessary and redundant files. That can help free up space and clean up your computer so that is runs more smoothly and efficiently.  Experts vary in their opinions for the need of these types of software programs, but the issue is further compounded by those who create programs designed to work with a consumer’s fear. 

Registry Cleaners That Are Not Sincere

Rogue registry cleaners often aren’t all they present themselves to be. Typically, they only “pretend” they are helping clean your computer’s registry.  These programs are endowed with false security alerts that make you think you have a problem. Unfortunately, they are usually wrong. They create false registry scans to help build confidence in their product, but in most cases, the end of a scan only brings a notification that you need to purchase the “complete” version of the cleaner to finish the scan.

At the end of the initial scan, though, you’ll usually see exaggerated system error messages to help foster your belief in their program. Clicking on one of these error messages, though, leads you directly to a page where you can purchase the software. While it claims to be an end to the problems on your computer, few users find that it is.  Not only can rogue registry cleaners use the personal data provided, but they may also further damage your system.

Some Tips that May Help

Perhaps the biggest problem with programs like this is that, like other rogue software, they have become so professional-looking that they actually try to imitate Microsoft Windows warning or alert screens.  You have to look very closely to notice any discernable differences.  All of the false warning screens include an advertisement asking you to buy a protection program that will take care of all your problems.  They will have easy click-on buttons that will take you directly to the screen to provide your personal information including your credit card number.  In most cases, clicking anywhere on these warnings will take you directly to that page, so it’s difficult to close them out at times. It is essential that you familiarize yourself with your “real” Windows security center information and other legitimate Microsoft Windows screens and templates.  You can learn to tell the difference between the real ones and the ones produced by rogue programs. 

Although it may not seem easy at first, you must make the effort as your personal security, and even your identity, could depend on it.

Beware of pop-ups of any type that suggest you “click here” to help protect your computer.  Doing so can lead to an opening for programs like this to enter your computer.  Make certain that you keep your pop-up blocker turned on when you are surfing the internet and do not download any type of shareware or freeware that comes from an unrecognizable source. Moreover, though, it’s important to recognize that pop-ups come in various forms. They can look like Windows messages or they can look like typical pop-ups you might find online.

Additionally, you should never open any email, or respond to an email if you don’t know the source.  Many rogue programs are designed to try and trick you into allowing them access into your computer.  Some of them can be automatic and you won’t even be able to detect their presence until it is too late.  It’s best to always practice the “it’s better to be safe than sorry” rule.

Never allow anything to install on your computer unless you know with 100 percent accuracy that it came from a reputable and dependable source.  Microsoft Windows offers a “Live OneCare” safety scanner that can help you check your computer for malicious program activity.

Other steps you can take to protect your computer from rogue registry cleaners include keeping your firewall turned on and your legitimate antivirus and antispyware software programs updated.  There seems to be more updates than you can count.  However, the updates are necessary, however, to help prevent against attacks from devious rogue software.  Most computers with Windows software have built-in programs that will help you detect fraudulent scams.  You just have to not invite them in when you are left to your own devices.

Try to keep abreast of the latest news and most recent trends in the rogue software field so you will have help in knowing what to look out for.  Most importantly, never trust any software that comes from a less than legitimate or reputable source.

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