Microsoft warns of malware dressed up as Security Essentials

A new Windows malware masquerading as a Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) installer is making the rounds on the internet, attempting to trick users into contacting tech support scammers for paid assistance. 

Hicurdismos fake BSoD screen.

Microsoft said the malware, which it calls Hicurdismos, arrives as a drive-by download with the file name setup.exe, using an icon that looks similar to the company's MSE security program. It can also be bundled with other software that users download. 

If users run the file, Hicurdismos generates a fake "blue screen of death" computer crash. 

Hicurdismos disables the mouse cursor to make it seem as if the victim's computer is not responding, as well as the Task Manager process monitor to prevent users from terminating the malware. 

The fake BSoD screen asks users to call a toll-free number "to resolve the issue over the phone". 

Microsoft said calling the "technical support" number will not fix the fake BSoD, but warned it could result in users being encouraged to install further malware disguised as support tools, or pay for software to sort out a problem that does not exist. 

The malware is flagged by the SmartScreen Filter defence mechanism in Microsoft's Edge and Internet Explorer browsers, which warn users that running the program could harm their computers.

Hicurdismos is rated as a severe threat by Microsoft, which has added detection and removal capability against the malware in its Windows Defender security program. 

Microsoft suggested Australian users who come across Hicurdismos report the malware to the government's ScamWatch.