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Definition: scareware


A warning message that pops up on screen claiming the user's computer is currently contaminated or not running properly. Also called "fake antivirus" and "rogue antivirus," scareware is a dishonest attempt to cause a user to purchase antivirus, a registry cleaner or some other software that repairs problems.

Worse yet, scareware may be used to entice the user to install phony software that implants a real virus or some other malware. In either case, the dire warning often frightens people into taking action. See ransomware, spyware and wares.