Trojan.FakeXPA

Do not be duped! Trojan.FakeXPA is a malicious infection, which was solely designed to disrupt and damage the computer activity of any system it has infiltrated.

Being a form of a Trojan infection, Trojan.FakeXPA will enter into an unsuspecting system, covertly – without the knowledge or permission of the system user – which is rather dangerous - as the user will not even be aware of the infection until it has already embedded itself well within the system.

With the passage of time, Trojan.FakeXPA updated itself with new techniques of fooling end-users. Codes became obfuscated, and methods of infections became more complicated.

Previously, Trojan.FakeXPA was basically an end product installed by downloaders or exploits, but the most recent versions brought with them Trojan downloaders.

Recent variants of Trojan.FakeXPA started using an installer, which needed internet connectivity to complete the Trojan.FakeXPA installation.

The earlier versions were distributed as standalone installers either downloaded by the user manually or by other malware.

Recently, Trojan.FakeXPA also started to use confusing and convincing names to sell the product. The recent avatars use names like, "Antivirus2009", "Antivirus2010" and "XP Antivirus2008".

Trojan.FakeXPA had been prominent as "XP Antivirus" for a considerable amount of time. One can see slight modifications in user interface over time.

The basic user interface of Antivirus 2009 had undergone some notable changes. Other than a new name, the icon changed to make it look more like the security center icon. There were some minor changes in the main product window too.

The following basic symptoms could be a clear indication of the presence of Trojan.FakeXPA:
• Performs illicit activities under the disguise of a useful program.
• Download malicious code and programs such as key loggers.
• It is capable of fetching user’s personal and confidential information.

In addition to opening up a security–free exploit, Trojan.FakeXPA will also allow for a remote controller to gain access into the infected system, so that the remote controller will be able to take hold of all confidential information gathered from the infected system.

To protect your system against the threat of Trojan.FakeXPA and the likes of, there are 4 main rules you should always adhere to:

• Rule 1:
Keep your Windows up to date. (Tip: Regularly visit Windows Update and set your PC to receive security and critical updates automatically)

• Rule 2:
Download and install a reliable anti-spyware program, one that will recognize the current form of Trojan.FakeXPA, a well as other forms of spyware.

• Rule 3:
Install a firewall onto your system, and keep it turned on. A firewall is essential for complete protection for your system.

• Rule 4:
Keep the definitions in your anti-spyware up to date at all times.

Another way to guarantee the safety of your system, lies in the successful implementation of the following preventative steps:

• Enable a firewall on your computer.
• Get the latest computer updates for all your installed software.
• Use up-to-date antivirus software.
• Use caution when opening attachments and accepting file transfers.
• Use caution when clicking on links to web pages.

To ensure your system is safe, and in order to avoid any unneeded risks of damage to your computer system, it is highly recommended to make use of a reliable and legitimate anti-spyware application, to remove Trojan.FakeXPA and all its components from the infected computer system.