TrustSoldier:  A Trustworthy Program?

You may have heard of rogue antivirus programs and become concerned that maybe there is one installed in your system.  Computer owners have a lot of questions and concerns about this topic, and the best way to rest easier is to have all the information you need about these each program.  What do TrustSoldier and others like it do, and how do they get into your computer?  Most importantly, what can you do about it?

What is TrustSoldier? 

TrustSoldier is an identical clone of TrustFighter.  Like its twin, it is a rogue program that launches itself every time you start your computer.  It simulates a scan and provides results that indicate you have several - sometimes hundreds - of security risks in your system.  These results are false.  Excluding TrustSoldier, there are probably no real security issues with your computer.  This program, and others in its class, creates random files when it enters your system.  It then runs scans and "finds" these files, which it claims are security threats.  In reality, they are harmless.  Why does the rogue program bother doing all this?

Telling you over and over again that you have threats to your system is effective; many opt to purchase the full protection of TrustSoldier believing that it is the only way to protect their computer.  Unfortunately, the rogue program does absolutely nothing.  It will not reduce the influx of pop-ups or remove threats, if there are any at all.  Its "protection" is nonexistent.

Is TrustSoldier Installed in Your Computer?

Since TrustSoldier is often installed unbeknownst to the user, the first sign that anything is amiss is usually slow performance.  You may be used to instantaneous responses when you open programs, download webpages, or download files; this may slow dramatically.  Simply changing from one browser window to another takes much longer than it should.  This is because TrustSoldier is running constantly in your background.  You can't see it operating, but it is using your CPU to power itself. 

Programs like TrustSoldier also commonly use rogue websites to further their goal of persuading you to buy their software.  When you open your browser, you may be directed to the official website instead of your regular homepage.  You may be diverted to a site like this when you conduct searches or when you enter in an address.  This rogue program can even create shortcuts on your desktop. 

Equally irritating are the pop-up ads that will start peppering your screen whenever you log on.  These ads appear very much like those from a myriad of other rogue programs.  It issues false scan results that feature the TrustSoldier name in the upper right corner.  Accompanying it is the logo is "Help Protect Your PC," as well as symbol consisting of three interlocking rings.  Below, you will see various options, including "Scan" and "Quarantine."  The ad indicates that TrustSoldier has found several security risks.

Clicking on any part of the ad will divert you to a rogue website.  Another common strategy employed by rogue antivirus programs is false warning messages.  A typical one may read:

Spyware Alert!

Your computer is infected with spyware.  It could damage your critical files or expose your private data on the internet.  Click here to register your copy of TrustSoldier and remove spyware threats from your PC. 

These pop-up and can look like the warnings that your own security program might issue.  This is why it is important to take the time to examine them carefully before acting.  If you determine it is not from your program, close it using the task manager.

How Did TrustSoldier Become Installed?

Rogue antivirus programs typically use the same methods to gain entry into your system, and TrustSoldier behaves no differently from the twenty-four nearly identical rogue programs.  It is promoted through Trojans that enter the system in a variety of ways.  Typical models of entry are through free videos, on sites with adult, gaming, and warez content, and via pop-up ads.  For example, if you downloaded a free video, it is possible for the Trojan Zlob to enter your system because it disguises itself as a video codec.  Zlob brings in problem programs, such as TrustSoldier. 

In this way, TrustSoldier gains entrance without the user's permission.  This is usually the case, but it also happens that users install the program intentionally.  They may see an ad or warning and believe it to have come from their legitimate antivirus program.  They opt to install the rogue program because they believe that is the only way to resolve the "threats."  This is certainly an understandable reaction.  Unfortunately, there is no protection in exchange for your money. 

Removing TrustSoldier

It is important to take steps to remove TrustSoldier as soon as you can to prevent system instability and to ensure your computer runs optimally.  There are two different ways to do this: automatic removal and manual removal.  But first, a word about what will not work.  Many people try to use their delete option to try to uninstall the program.  This does not work because rogue antivirus programs are designed to evade detection and removal.

Likewise, many people try to run their legitimate virus scan, hoping that will resolve the problem.  This is not effective because rogue antivirus programs are not classified as viruses. They can evade detection by standard scans.