Keygens and Trojans

[WindoUser]

Hello.
Recently, I downloaded a file containing a keygen. I use Avast Antivirus software, and Avast detected the file as a trojan/worm. I was wondering whether or not Avast just views the keygen as a malicious file or not. (The usual pop-up that information was being transferred to another source did not appear after the notification.) I did successfully remove the file from my system. I got the file from a friend, and she uses it fine, and says it had no impact on her computer at all.

Thanks.

 

[soundguruman]

They wanted you to install the file because it loads a trojan into your system. There are hundreds of fake files, fake cleaners and fake system fixes on the internet. Once you install them, people can steal your personal information, steal your passwords, take control of your system, rob your bank accounts.
Just because you load it and see no problems does not mean that nothing is wrong. It's what you don't see that is the problem.

 

[WindoUser]

I dont think a good friend would encourage me to load a trojan onto my computer...
But many people I talk to are saying that keygens are often viewed as trojans to antivirus software because of its small size, or something along the lines of that.

 

[MrLinux]

Have you tried one of the (many) on-line scanners... for a second opinion.
http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/WelcomePage.asp

 

[soundguruman]

If a friend tells you to download something, it does not necessarily mean that it's safe to put it in your computer. But the people who make scam software are counting on that. Your friend could not necessarily know that it's safe or not.
It was not even 30 days ago that we extracted a really bad virus from a Vista system. When we traced the origin of the virus, it was downloaded from using the Encyclopedia Britannica website.
Now you have been trying to use a key code generator, which enables pirated software to run on your computer. The people who made the generator are counting on the fact that you will install it, blinded to the actual consequences.
And you swallowed it, hook, line, and sinker.
Your Anti virus blocked it from installing, trying to keep the virus out of your computer, but you ignored that also.
So I could ask you, why do you even use an anti virus? But that could be a rhetorical question.

 

[FALC0N]

I dont think a good friend would encourage me to load a trojan onto my computer...
But many people I talk to are saying that keygens are often viewed as trojans to antivirus software because of its small size, or something along the lines of that.

Yes this is true. There are many perfectly good programs that detect as trojans.

Run it through this and see how many scanners see it as a trojan.

http://www.virustotal.com/

 

[WindoUser]

If a friend tells you to download something, it does not necessarily mean that it's safe to put it in your computer. But the people who make scam software are counting on that. Your friend could not necessarily know that it's safe or not.
It was not even 30 days ago that we extracted a really bad virus from a Vista system. When we traced the origin of the virus, it was downloaded from using the Encyclopedia Britannica website.
Now you have been trying to use a key code generator, which enables pirated software to run on your computer. The people who made the generator are counting on the fact that you will install it, blinded to the actual consequences.
And you swallowed it, hook, line, and sinker.
Your Anti virus blocked it from installing, trying to keep the virus out of your computer, but you ignored that also.
So I could ask you, why do you even use an anti virus? But that could be a rhetorical question.

I didn't actually download the thing, I ran an anti-virus scan on the files before I even thought about it. And I wouldn't ignore my antivirus's warnings. I posted this question to ask about the files and whether or not the antivirus is detecting it falsely. I never said that I had a virus on my system.

 

[G-Systems]

It is rather normal for keygens to appear as trojans simply because of their operation. If you use a firewall that notes network traffic, watch to see if the programs that should have internet access are the only ones running. That's a good place to start. In the end, having a back-up plan (such as a clean system image or system backup/restore) is the best medicine if you find an ailment...

 

[4Ryan6]

Hello.
Recently, I downloaded a file containing a keygen. I use Avast Antivirus software, and Avast detected the file as a trojan/worm. I was wondering whether or not Avast just views the keygen as a malicious file or not. (The usual pop-up that information was being transferred to another source did not appear after the notification.) I did successfully remove the file from my system. I got the file from a friend, and she uses it fine, and says it had no impact on her computer at all.

Thanks.

I didn't actually download the thing, I ran an anti-virus scan on the files before I even thought about it. And I wouldn't ignore my antivirus's warnings. I posted this question to ask about the files and whether or not the antivirus is detecting it falsely. I never said that I had a virus on my system.

You start by freely stating you downloaded it, and now trying to claim you didn't, either way you are teetering on the line of getting permanently banned from THGF.

Keygens are hacked software generators designed to create illegal key codes, so of course your AV software should show it as a virus, because it displays the same characteristics as an active trojan would.

FYI even discussing these illegal programs can get you banned from THGF depending on the moderators discretion, you have to agree to the THGF Terms of Use and Rules of Conduct to even post a post here, access to those agreements is almost right next to the Submit Button, I suggest you read them.