14 DAY TRIAL // We've reported numerous times that ransomware scams, the ones in which a cybercriminal locks a victim’s computer and then demands the payment of a fine, use law enforcement symbols to appear more legitimate. McAfee learned that certain schemes even rely on forged versions of their McAfee SECURE logo.
The fake logo has been seen in ransomware campaigns that target users from Ireland and Germany, but most likely they’re being utilized in all the operations launched by this particular cybercriminal ring.
McAfee representatives advise users to keep their antivirus software permanently up to date and to avoid clicking on shady links or download suspicious files.
More importantly, they point to a page which explains how internauts can spot fake trustmarks. Furthermore, McAfee SiteAdvisor customers will see genuinely approved sites directly in the search results brought up by Google.