SpySheriff | |
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Technical name |
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SpySheriff interface | |
Alias | |
Type | Malware |
Subtype | Rogue Software |
Authors | Innovagest 2000 |
Technical details | |
Platform | Windows |
Discontinued | 2008 |
SpySheriff [a] (also known as BraveSentry 2.0, among other names) is malware that disguises itself as anti-spyware software. It attempts to mislead the user with false security alerts, threatening them into buying the program. [4] Like other rogue antiviruses, after producing a list of false threats, it prompts the user to pay to remove them. The software is particularly difficult to remove, [5] since it nests its components in System Restore folders, and also blocks some system management tools. However, SpySheriff can be removed by an experienced user, antivirus software, or by using a rescue disk.
SpySheriff was hosted at both www.spysheriff.com and www.spy-sheriff.com, [6] [ self-published source ] which operated from 2005 until their shutdown in 2008.[ citation needed ] Both domains are now parked. Several other similarly-named websites also hosted the program but have all been shut down.