Rogue:W32/SpyAxe
Summary
Dishonest antivirus software which tricks users into buying or installing it, usually by infecting a user's computer, or by pretending the computer is infected.
Removal
Based on the settings of your F-Secure security product, it will either move the file to the quarantine where it cannot spread or cause harm, or remove it.
A False Positive is when a file is incorrectly detected as harmful, usually because its code or behavior resembles known harmful programs. A False Positive will usually be fixed in a subsequent database update without any action needed on your part. If you wish, you may also:
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Check for the latest database updates
First check if your F-Secure security program is using the latest updates, then try scanning the file again.
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Submit a sample
After checking, if you still believe the file is incorrectly detected, you can submit a sample of it for re-analysis.
Note: If the file was moved to quarantine, you need to collect the file from quarantine before you can submit it.
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Exclude a file from further scanning
If you are certain that the file is safe and want to continue using it, you can exclude it from further scanning by the F-Secure security product.
Note: You need administrative rights to change the settings.
Technical Details
SpyAxe is an anti-spyware application sometimes installed without a user's knowledge or consent.
The installed application functions up to the point when a user wants to remove a found infection, at which point the software requires purchase. The software may falsely alarm about infections, even prior to conducting a scan.
SpywareQuake, SpyFalcon, MalwareWipe and SpywareStrike are renamed versions of SpyAxe. WinAntiVirusPro shares the same Privacy Policy as SpyAxe and appears to be related.
Installation
A trojan already installed on a user's computer may show a fraudulent warning that the user is infected, as seen in the screenshot below:
The trojan that downloaded and installed Spyaxe is detected as Trojan-Downloader:W32/Zlob. It has lately been masked as a Video Codec.
When the user clicks the message, the trojan will download and silently install SpyAxe.
Activity
After installation, SpyAxe will detect the trojan that installed it, but without any details. The user will not be allowed to attempt cleaning of the trojan until paying for SpyAxe.Spyaxe offers affiliates compensation for downloading and installing Spyaxe on users computers. Thereby the people behind Zlob can receive money for the unsolicited installations they distribute.