Definition

• Vista Antivirus 2010, or VistaAntivirus2010, is a virus that masquerades as a security/antivirus program for Microsoft Windows Vista. It installs on computers through the use of a Trojan. Microsoft does not make any product named "Vista Antivirus 2010."
  
  

Function

• Vista Antivirus 2010 pretends to scan for security holes and viruses and informs you that your computer is infected and at risk. It then prompts you to upgrade to the full version of the software. There is no upgrade. If you try to upgrade, it steals your personal information---including credit card information.
  
  

Infection

• Vista Antivirus 2010 can be downloaded through infected freeware or shareware, peer-to-peer sharing programs, or even through an infected website.
  
  

Symptoms

• In addition to the fake alerts, you make experience system slow-down, new icons and a new homepage displayed in your browser. You may also start seeing pop-up ads displayed on your computer, even when you are not using the Internet.
  
  

Approved Antivirus Programs

• Microsoft has released a list of approved antivirus for Windows Vista (see Resources).