How My Computer Got the Antivirus 360 Virus

Most of us are not geniuses when it comes to the workings of our computers. When we get a pop-up that tells us that our software needs updated, we obey. Unfortunately, the evil people who create computer viruses know this and are taking full advantage. I would like to share with you how my entire computer got wiped out and my credit card security was jeopardized all because of the Antivirus 360 virus.

I don't know a lot about computers, but I do know that I have antivirus software installed and know that it's important. One day, my computer screen started going completely blue with a message telling me that I had an out of date version of my antivirus software. Then, after a while, the computer would either start working again or restart. I tried to ignore it for a while, but the problem persisted. Since my computer had never lied to me before or played any ugly tricks, I decided to do what it told me. After all, I run updates on it all the time and everything always turns out fine.

The next time something popped up about an antivirus update, I clicked on the suggested link to get it done. It took me to a very legit looking website that said I could purchase the Antivirus 360 software for $59.95. While I wasn't thrilled about it, I figured that it would be better than having my computer freeze up every 10 minutes. I entered my credit card information and purchased the software. (Authors note: I do realize that entering my credit card info was especially stupid on my part.)

I next got another pleasant surprise when my computer quit working all together. It gave me a message that said I was using unregistered or unrecognized antivirus software and then shut down.

At my wit's end, I called a computer specialist. Before I could even get the whole story out, they said I had the Antivirus Virus (how confusing is that?). I took the computer in and after examination they informed me that too much damage had been done by Antivirus 360. I could either pay them big bucks to try and remove it with only a 60% success rate, or I could have the entire computer wiped out and start over for a lesser fee. I chose the latter and, in the end, I ended up paying them around $150 and lost everything (programs and all) that I had on the hard drive.

I also had to cancel my credit card and have new ones issued since the security of the original card had been breached. Sure enough, the next statement I received had a charge for $59.95 that read "Heliana Ltd. Software cs@wwscc.com cyp". Heliana Ltd. Software doesn't exist and neither does wwssc.com. I'm currently in the process of disputing the charge on the grounds that it's a fraudulent internet scam.

Bottom line is, Antivirus 360 is nasty, tricky, and can do a lot of damage. If you're not sure, it's probably best to err on the side of caution and call someone who knows. If I had done that, I'd be $150 richer, wouldn't be disputing a charge with my credit card company for an additional $60, and I would still have my old computer and all of its programs intact.

For help and more info regarding Antivirus 360 try:

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/malware-removal/remove-antivirus-360

http://www.2-spyware.com/remove-antivirus-360.html