New 'rogueware' variants spotted

Security researchers have warned of three new variants of fake anti-virus programs, also known as 'rogueware', in circulation.

The malware attempts to convince anyone unwise enough to install it on their system that they should hand over money in order to wipe non-existent viruses from their system.

The three programs use different names but look very similar.

"Three of the new families we've seen this week, called SaveKeep, SaveSoldier and TrustNinja are at the end the same rogueware but rebranded, which is one of the common strategies they use," said Luis Corrons of PandaLabs.

Using programs that claim to be legitimate anti-virus software has become a common tactic among cybercriminals.

AntiVirus XP and VirusRemover 2008 both emerged last year, aiming to con surfers into paying money to have non-existent infections removed.