---
title: Fake Microsoft Security Essentials will Leave You Vulnerable
description: A blue screen of death will appear on your screen and you'll be promoted to call a fake customer service number.
---

[SecureWorld News ](https://www.secureworld.io/industry-news)

# [Fake Microsoft Security Essentials will Leave You Vulnerable](https://www.secureworld.io/industry-news/fake-microsoft-security-essentials-will-leave-you-vulnerable)

 Written by [SecureWorld News Team](https://www.secureworld.io/industry-news/author/secureworld-news-team) | Tue | Oct 25, 2016 | 7:00 AM Z

A blue screen of death will appear on your screen and you'll be promoted to call a fake customer service number.

[The Register Explains:](http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/10/25/microsoft_trojanised_security_essentials_throws_slick_bsod/)

> Microsoft is warning of fake copies of its Security Essentials that if executed will throw a fake blue screen of death, pwn machines, and lead users to technical support scams.
> 
> Redmond regards the threat dubbed [Hicurdismos](https://www.microsoft.com/security/portal/threat/encyclopedia/Entry.aspx?Name=SupportScam:MSIL/Hicurdismos.A) as a severe threat which compromises PCs typically through bundled software installers and drive-by-downloads.
> 
> Microsoft's anti-malware and security men Francis Tan Seng and Alden Pornasdoro warn customers Hicurdismos will throw a full screen blue screen of death, disabling the ctrl+alt+delete task manager to prevent the user bypassing it, and hiding the mouse cursor to make it appear more legitimate.

 

[View full post](https://www.secureworld.io/industry-news/fake-microsoft-security-essentials-will-leave-you-vulnerable)

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