{
  "family": "deceptor",
  "sample_count": 1,
  "category": "ransomware",
  "description": "<h3>Executive Summary</h3>\nDeceptor (often detected as Rogue.Deceptor or Riskware.FakeAV) is a highly deceptive Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) operating as \"Rogue Security Software.\" It employs aggressive scareware tactics, masquerading as a legitimate Windows security component or premium anti-malware suite. It performs fabricated system \"scans\" to generate alarming false-positive reports about severe malware infections, with the sole objective of frightening the user into purchasing a fraudulent \"premium license\" to \"clean\" their machine.\n\n<h3>Infection Vector and Technical Capabilities</h3>\nDeceptor relies almost entirely on aggressive malvertising, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) poisoning, and deceptive software bundling. Users typically encounter it via alarming, full-screen browser pop-ups (e.g., \"Your Windows is infected with 5 viruses!\") that trick them into downloading the rogue installer.\n\nOnce installed, the software employs highly aggressive extortion tactics:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Deceptive UI and Scareware Tactics:</strong> The application is meticulously designed to mimic the graphical user interface of legitimate Windows components or well-known AV brands. It launches automatically on boot and invariably reports numerous critical (but non-existent) security threats.</li>\n<li><strong>System Hostage (Locking):</strong> Aggressive variants of Deceptor employ system-locking tactics. They may constantly overlay the screen with warnings, disable the Windows Task Manager, or block the execution of legitimate executable files (claiming they are \"infected\"), effectively holding the user's workflow hostage until they pay.</li>\n<li><strong>Persistent Nagging and Fake Alerts:</strong> The software establishes persistence via registry `Run` keys and scheduled tasks, generating fake system tray balloons and pop-ups demanding credit card information.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3>Threat Assessment</h3>\nWhile technically not destructive malware like a file-encrypting ransomware, Deceptor poses a severe threat to user productivity and financial security (extortion). The aggressive system locking mechanisms cause massive IT helpdesk overhead, and users may unwittingly hand over valid credit card details to cybercriminals.\n\n<h3>Incident Response and Remediation</h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Safe Mode Execution:</strong> Due to the aggressive screen-locking and self-defense mechanisms that block executable launches, it is almost always necessary to boot the infected machine into Windows \"Safe Mode with Networking\" to prevent the scareware from launching before attempting removal.</li>\n<li><strong>Targeted Anti-Malware Scan:</strong> Utilize a reputable enterprise anti-malware solution (specifically tuned for Rogue Software and Scareware removal, such as Malwarebytes) to scan for and remove the deeply embedded registry keys and scheduled tasks associated with the PUP.</li>\n<li><strong>Financial Dispute:</strong> If the user was tricked into purchasing the fake software, advise them to immediately contact their credit card company to dispute the fraudulent charge.</li>\n</ul>",
  "cta": "Published by the SystemHelpdesk team.",
  "aliases": [
    "Rogue.Deceptor",
    "PUP.FakeAV",
    "Scareware.Win32"
  ],
  "enrichment_level": "insufficient_information",
  "faq": [],
  "faq_count": 0,
  "mitre_attack": [
    "T1491",
    "T1562.001",
    "T1112"
  ],
  "cisa_advisory": null,
  "last_updated": "2026-07-02T07:40:09Z",
  "type": "Riskware / Rogue Security Software",
  "target_industries": [
    "Global / Opportunistic"
  ],
  "motivation": "Opportunistic",
  "threat_actors": [
    "Unknown / Cybercriminal"
  ],
  "target_geographies": [
    "Global"
  ]
}