Windows XP Internet Security 2012 is a rogue antivirus program—fake security software designed to look like legitimate protection while actually functioning as malware itself. Despite its professional appearance and convincing system warnings, this scareware exists solely to frighten users into purchasing a worthless "full version" license. It belongs to the notorious WinWebSec family of rogueware, which has spawned dozens of variants with similar names and behavior patterns over the years.
This fake antivirus displays fabricated security alerts, manufactures false scan results showing critical infections, and intentionally disrupts normal computer operations to create panic. Victims who pay the registration fee (typically $50–$100) receive nothing of value, while their credit card information goes straight to cybercriminals. The program itself persists as an active threat on the system until properly removed.
Threat Profile
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Threat Family | WinWebSec / FakeVimes rogue antivirus |
| Also Known As | Win32/FakeVimes, Rogue:Win32/Winwebsec, FakeRean, W32.Xpantivirus2012 |
| Platform | Windows XP, Vista, 7 (32-bit primarily; also targets 64-bit systems with modified payloads) |
| First Observed | Late 2011 (part of ongoing WinWebSec campaign spanning 2010–2013) |
| Distribution Method | Trojan downloaders, malicious websites, fake codec installers, exploit kits, compromised advertising networks |
| Persistence Mechanism | HKCU/HKLM Run registry keys, randomly-named executable in %AppData% or %ProgramData%, shell hijacking |
| Primary Capabilities | System hijacking, fake security scanning, payment fraud, browser manipulation, desktop lockdown |
| Typical Artifacts | Random .exe files in user profile folders (names vary: winsecure.exe, A0123456.exe), desktop shortcuts, fake scan result files |
| Network Behavior | Contacts command-and-control servers to download updated payment pages and additional malware modules; may download browser plugins |
| Data Collection | Harvests system information, browser data; captures credit card details if victim submits payment through the fake purchase form |
| Removal Difficulty | Moderate—blocks many legitimate security tools and safe mode access; requires specialized removal procedures |
| Ransom/Payment Demand | $49.95–$99.95 for fake "full version license" (paid via credit card or online payment systems) |
How It Spreads
Windows XP Internet Security 2012 rarely arrives alone. It's typically delivered by a trojan-dropper infection that has already compromised the system through some other vulnerability. The dropper downloads and executes the rogueware payload, often as part of a larger malware package. Users encounter the initial infection vector through various deceptive techniques that exploit both technical vulnerabilities and human psychology.
Social engineering plays a major role in distribution. Victims may encounter fake security warning pop-ups while browsing legitimate websites—ads served through compromised advertising networks that claim "Your PC is infected! Click here to scan now." These alerts mimic authentic browser or Windows warnings but actually trigger drive-by downloads. Video codec scams are equally common: users attempting to watch a video on a suspicious streaming site are told they need to install a "required codec update" that's actually the malware installer.
Common distribution vectors include:
- Malicious advertisements (malvertising) on both legitimate and questionable websites, redirecting to exploit kit landing pages
- Fake video codec installers prompting users to download supposed media players or updates to view adult content or pirated videos
- Bundled with pirated software distributed through torrent sites and warez forums
- Email attachments disguised as invoices, shipping notifications, or tax documents that actually contain trojan downloaders
- Compromised legitimate websites injected with iframe exploits targeting outdated browser plugins (Java, Flash, Adobe Reader)
- SEO poisoning where searches for trending topics return malicious links in search results
- Fake software download sites mimicking legitimate free software repositories but bundling installers with the rogueware payload
What It Does On Your Machine
Once installed, Windows XP Internet Security 2012 immediately launches an aggressive campaign to dominate your desktop and convince you of a fabricated security emergency. The program installs itself with a randomly-generated executable name in your user profile directory, establishes persistence through registry Run keys, and begins its theatrical performance. A professional-looking interface appears—complete with official-seeming Windows logos, progress bars, and technical-sounding scan results—all completely fake.
The rogueware performs a simulated system scan that "detects" dozens or even hundreds of critical threats: trojans, worms, rootkits, privacy risks, and system vulnerabilities. These detections are entirely fabricated—the program isn't actually scanning your files at all, just displaying predetermined results designed to terrify you. Pop-up alerts interrupt your work constantly with warnings like "Critical Error! Windows has detected spyware infection!" and "Your computer is at risk! Immediate action required!" The alerts use urgent language and intimidating red warning icons to create panic and pressure you into making a hasty purchase decision.
Beyond psychological manipulation, Windows XP Internet Security 2012 actively sabotages normal computer operations to reinforce the illusion of severe infection. It blocks access to legitimate antivirus websites and security tools, making it difficult for victims to research the threat or download removal utilities. The program may prevent you from launching Task Manager, Registry Editor, or Windows Explorer. Some variants hijack browser sessions, redirecting searches and homepage settings to attacker-controlled pages. Desktop wallpaper often changes to a threatening warning screen. In severe cases, it blocks execution of most legitimate programs, essentially holding your system hostage until you either pay or remove the infection.
Typical filesystem and registry artifacts look like this:
Manual Removal — Step by Step
Disconnect from the Internet and External Devices
Physically disconnect your Ethernet cable or disable WiFi to prevent the malware from communicating with its command servers, downloading additional components, or exfiltrating collected data. Also disconnect external hard drives, USB devices, and networked storage to prevent potential spread to those locations.
Boot into Safe Mode with Networking
Restart your computer and repeatedly tap F8 during boot (before the Windows logo appears) to access Advanced Boot Options. Select "Safe Mode with Networking" from the menu. This loads Windows with minimal drivers and prevents most malware from auto-starting. Note that Windows XP Internet Security 2012 sometimes blocks safe mode access—if this happens, try using a bootable rescue disk or call professional help.
Terminate the Malicious Process
Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager (or Ctrl+Alt+Del and select Task Manager if that's blocked). Look for suspicious processes with random names or unusual locations in user profile folders. The exact name varies, but watch for unfamiliar executables consuming system resources. Right-click the suspicious process and select "End Process Tree." If Task Manager is blocked, you may need to use a specialized tool like RKill before proceeding.
Remove Startup Persistence Entries
Open the Start menu, click Run, type msconfig and press Enter. Navigate to the "Startup" tab and look for suspicious entries with random names, especially those pointing to executables in AppData or Roaming folders. Uncheck these entries. Also open Registry Editor (type regedit in Run) and navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run and the equivalent HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE location. Delete any entries associated with random executable names or paths you don't recognize.
Delete the Malware Files and Folders
Using Windows Explorer, navigate to your user profile folder (typically C:\Users\[YourName] on Vista/7 or C:\Documents and Settings\[YourName] on XP). Show hidden files and folders through Folder Options. Look in AppData\Roaming and AppData\Local for folders with names like "Protector-[random]" or suspicious executables with generic names. Delete these folders entirely. Also check your Desktop for shortcuts created by the rogueware and delete them.
Re-enable System Access If Blocked
The rogueware often disables Task Manager and other system tools. In Registry Editor, navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System and look for values named "DisableTaskMgr" or "DisableRegistryTools." Delete these entries or set their values to 0. This restores access to critical system utilities.
Run Reputable Anti-Malware Scanners
Reconnect to the internet (still in Safe Mode) and download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and a reputable on-demand scanner like HitmanPro or Emsisoft Emergency Kit. Run full system scans with updated definitions. These tools detect remnants and related infections that manual removal might miss. Quarantine or delete all detected threats. Run scans with multiple tools as no single scanner catches everything.
Reset Browser Settings
The infection may have modified browser homepages, search providers, and installed malicious extensions. Open each browser you use (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome) and reset settings to defaults. Remove any unfamiliar toolbars or extensions. Clear cookies, cache, and browsing history. Check proxy settings (Internet Options > Connections > LAN Settings) and ensure no malicious proxy is configured.
Change Important Passwords
If you entered credit card information or login credentials while infected, assume that data has been compromised. After confirming the malware is removed, change passwords for email accounts, banking, online shopping, and other sensitive accounts. Contact your credit card company if you submitted payment to the fake registration form—dispute the charge and potentially request a card replacement.
Reboot Normally and Verify Clean System
Restart your computer normally (not in Safe Mode) and observe behavior during startup. Confirm that no fake security alerts appear, that your legitimate antivirus loads properly, and that all system functions work normally. Run one final full system scan with your security software. Monitor system performance and behavior over the next few days to ensure complete removal.
Prevention
- Install and maintain legitimate security software. Use a reputable antivirus program from established vendors (not free "scareware" found through web searches). Keep it updated with the latest definitions and run regular scheduled scans. Enable real-time protection to catch threats before they execute.
- Keep Windows and all software updated. Enable automatic Windows updates to patch security vulnerabilities that exploits target. Regularly update browsers, Adobe Reader, Java, Flash, and other commonly exploited applications. Better yet, uninstall Java and Flash entirely if you don't actively need them—most modern websites no longer require these risky plugins.
- Never trust unexpected security warnings. Legitimate antivirus software doesn't operate through browser pop-ups or demand immediate payment. If you see a security alert from software you don't recognize or didn't install, it's almost certainly fake. Close the browser without clicking anything in the alert—use Alt+F4 or Task Manager if necessary.
- Avoid suspicious downloads and pirated content. Don't download software from unfamiliar websites, torrent sites, or file-sharing networks. When downloading legitimate free software, use the official vendor website, not third-party download repositories. Never install unexpected "codec packs" or "video players" to view online content—these are almost always malware.
- Practice cautious browsing habits. Be skeptical of sensational headlines, too-good-to-be-true offers, and urgent warnings. Don't click on ads promising system cleaning, performance optimization, or security scanning. Use an ad-blocker to reduce exposure to malicious advertising networks.
- Enable User Account Control and use a limited user account. UAC in Windows Vista and later prompts before allowing system changes, blocking some malware installations. For daily computing, use a standard user account rather than an administrator account—this prevents malware from making system-wide changes without your explicit permission.
- Maintain regular backups. Keep current backups of important files on external media disconnected from your computer (or in cloud storage with versioning). This protects against not just rogueware but also ransomware, hardware failure, and accidental deletion. Test your backups periodically to verify they're working.
- Be cautious with email attachments and links. Don't open unexpected attachments even from known contacts—their accounts may be compromised. Hover over links before clicking to verify the actual destination. When in doubt, manually navigate to the organization's website rather than clicking email links.
Bring It In
Windows XP Internet Security 2012 is particularly aggressive in its system hijacking and self-protection mechanisms. While technically possible to remove manually, the process requires comfort with Windows internals, registry editing, and safe mode troubleshooting. Many variants have evolved countermeasures against common removal techniques, and incomplete removal leaves your system vulnerable to reinfection or ongoing data theft. If you've attempted manual removal but continue seeing symptoms, or if the infection has disabled safe mode access and security tools, professional intervention is the fastest path to a fully clean system.
Computer Repair Roswell specializes in stubborn malware removal for Roswell and North Atlanta residents. Our technicians have extensive experience with the WinWebSec family and can eliminate this infection completely while preserving your data and settings. We're located at 1090 Alpharetta Street in Roswell, Georgia—call us at (770) 691-6016 to schedule same-day service. We'll thoroughly scan for rootkits and related infections, remove all persistence mechanisms, restore hijacked system functions, and verify your computer is completely clean. Don't waste days fighting with fake antivirus—bring your infected computer to the local experts who can resolve it properly the first time.