Internet security firm Trend Micro has discovered new malrware aimed at the recently launched Windows 8 operating system’s (OS) users posing to be antivirus application.
Trend Micro said that the recent launch of Windows 8 had people talking about this new OS.
"Naturally, cyber criminals are grabbing this chance to distribute threats leveraging Windows 8 and raise terror among users," added Trend Micro.
The security firm said that users will encounter two threats when they visit malicious sites.
The first threat is fake antivirus (AV), which is detected as TROJ_FAKEAV.EHM, while the other is a phishing email that offers users a free Windows 8 upgrade.
According to Trend Micro, instead of the actual download the scammers ask for personal details like an e-mail address, password and name that can be sold on the underground market for cyber-criminals.
Trend Micro said that its Smart Protection Network detects and deletes fake AV variants such as TROJ_FAKEAV.EHM and prevents access to related sites.
Earlier this month, Trend Micro had revealed its plans to introduce a threat protection application, Custom Defense, which claims to protects businesses and government agencies from advanced persistent threats (APTs) and targeted attacks.
Microsoft said that it sold four million upgrades to Windows 8 OS since its launch.
