Less than seven days after the arrival of Microsoft’s latest iteration of its Windows operating system, Windows 8, the first fake antivirus software has surfaced. Normally called scareware, these software produces a fake virus scan result showing the user’s Windows device being infected with numerous malware, not realising that the result itself was a form of malware.

Fortunately, Trend Micro has detected the threat, calling it TROJ.FAKEAV.EHM. The difference here, compared to other scareware out there (and there are plenty), is the fact that the malware is packaged as a Windows 8 app. To quote Trend Micro’s statement on the threat:

It is typical for cybercriminals to piggyback on the highly-anticipated release of any latest technology to take their malware, spam, malicious app to new heights. To stay safe, users must keep their cool and think twice before clicking links or visiting webpages, especially those that promise the latest items or programs for free. If it’s too good to be true – it probably is.

Even though Windows 8 is still new, many of the established security software companies have already released their latest security suites that are compatible for Windows 8. Symantec and Kaspersky, for example, have already released their 2013 versions of their Anti Virus and Internet Security suites for some time now.

When it comes to security software, it is very simple: if you haven’t heard of it, it’s probably not good enough for you. Worse, it could just be the type of malware you wanted to avoid in the first place.

MORE:  Microsoft Announces Kill Dates For Windows 8 Apps

(Source:  The Next Web)