{
  "family": "dlsecure",
  "sample_count": 1,
  "category": "ransomware",
  "description": "<h3>Executive Summary</h3>\nDlsecure is a prominent example of \"Rogue AV\" or \"Scareware.\" It is a deceptive, malicious application designed to aggressively mimic the graphical user interface of a legitimate Windows security program. Its sole objective is financial extortion; it bombards the user with fake security alerts claiming the system is severely infected, demanding the user pay for a \"premium\" license of Dlsecure to remove the fabricated threats.\n\n<h3>Infection Vector and Technical Capabilities</h3>\nDlsecure is most commonly distributed via aggressive \"malvertising\" campaigns. Users clicking on dubious links or visiting compromised websites are redirected to landing pages that simulate a \"Windows Security Scan\" in the browser, ultimately tricking the user into downloading the fake antivirus installer.\n\nUpon execution, Dlsecure operates entirely on psychological manipulation and system lock-down:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Deceptive GUI:</strong> The malware launches a highly convincing interface complete with fake scan progress bars, spinning icons, and long lists of terrifying-sounding (but entirely non-existent) malware infections.</li>\n<li><strong>System Disruption:</strong> To force the user to pay, Dlsecure actively disables the operating system. It routinely terminates legitimate executable files (like `taskmgr.exe` or `explorer.exe`), blocks access to real antivirus websites, and constantly displays full-screen warnings that \"system damage is imminent.\"</li>\n<li><strong>Extortion:</strong> The program persistently directs the user to a payment gateway (often requesting credit card details) to purchase the \"full version\" to \"clean\" the system.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3>Threat Assessment</h3>\nWhile Dlsecure is incredibly disruptive and renders the computer practically unusable, it generally does not encrypt files (like ransomware) or silently steal data in the background. The primary threat is financial fraud (the extortion payment) and the denial of access to the workstation. However, the presence of Scareware indicates a failure of perimeter web filtering.\n\n<h3>Incident Response and Remediation</h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Safe Mode Boot:</strong> The most effective way to bypass the Scareware's lock-down mechanisms is to reboot the infected machine into Windows \"Safe Mode with Networking.\" This prevents the Dlsecure executable from loading on startup.</li>\n<li><strong>Rogue AV Removal:</strong> Once in Safe Mode, utilize a reputable, dedicated anti-malware scanner to detect and remove the Dlsecure executables and repair the registry keys the malware altered to hijack `.exe` file associations.</li>\n<li><strong>Financial Remediation:</strong> If the user actually submitted their credit card details to the fake payment portal, they must immediately contact their bank to cancel the card and dispute the fraudulent charges.</li>\n</ul>",
  "cta": "Published by the SystemHelpdesk team.",
  "aliases": [
    "Rogue.Dlsecure",
    "FakeAV.Dlsecure",
    "Scareware.Win32"
  ],
  "enrichment_level": "insufficient_information",
  "faq": [],
  "faq_count": 0,
  "mitre_attack": [
    "T1489",
    "T1491.001",
    "T1562.001"
  ],
  "cisa_advisory": null,
  "last_updated": "2026-07-01T17:29:35Z",
  "type": "Rogue AV / Scareware",
  "target_industries": [
    "Global / Opportunistic"
  ],
  "motivation": "Opportunistic",
  "threat_actors": [
    "Unknown / Cybercriminal"
  ],
  "target_geographies": [
    "Global"
  ]
}