NavaShield
| NavaShield | |
|---|---|
| Technical name |
|
| Type | |
| Origin | British Virgin Islands (Not confirmed) |
| Authors | Nava Labs |
| Cyberattack event | |
| Date | January 30, 2010 |
| Location | Worldwide |
| Losses | under $7,000 |
| Technical details | |
4.1 | |
| Platform | |
| Filename | Navashield.exe |
| Size | 24.96 MB |
| Written in | Microsoft Visual C++ |
| Discontinued | approximately 2013 |
NavaShield is a potentially unwanted program (PUP), scareware, nagware, and rogueware disguised as antivirus software that first appeared on January 30, 2010. NavaShield reportedly infected over 128 computers, causing approximately $7,000 in damages.[1]
History
NavaShield was founded by Nava Labs in 2010 as a rogue antivirus program. Nava Labs created it to mimic legitimate security software while tricking users into buying fake protections. Nava Labs was eventually shut down, and by 2013, Nava Shield was discontinued, becoming a notorious example of deceptive antivirus software.
Technical details
NavaShield mimicked legitimate antivirus software, displaying pop-ups such as 'SPECIAL OFFER - BUY TODAY AND SAVE 80%' and 'NAVA SHIELD LICENSE EXPIRED' to prompt users to purchase the full version. The program also played sound effects, including laughter with a distinctive 'satanic' tone and alarm sounds, and in some instances redirected users' browsers to external websites, such as online dating services like Match.com.
Distribution
NavaShield was a primarily distributed through deceptive websites, malvertising, and online ads that encouraged users to download the software. It was also occasionally bundled with pirated software or fake free antivirus tools, tricking users into installing it. Once installed, it would simulate infections and prompt users to purchase the full version.
Detection
NavaShield was identified as a rogue security software by multiple antivirus vendors. It has been detected under various technical names, including:
- Riskware/NavaShield – Fortinet
- ADWARE/Navashield.A – Avira
- NavaShield.exe – SpyHunter[2]
- Rogue.NavaShield.exe – Malwarebytes
- Win32:Adware-gen [Adw] – AVG AntiVirus
- Trojan-FakeAV.Win32.Agent.jbph – Kaspersky Anti-Virus
- Ransom:Win32/Crypmod – Microsoft Defender Antivirus
These classifications reflect its deceptive behavior, including fake alerts, blocked system tools, and prompts to purchase the full version.[3]
Impact
NavaShield caused disruption to users' systems by simulating infections, blocking legitimate antivirus tools, and displaying persistent pop-ups prompting users to purchase the full version. its aggressive behavior, including playing alarming audio effects and redirecting browsers, created confusion and anxiety among affected users.
The software gained notoriety in the cybersecurity community as an example of rogue security software, highlighting the risks of downloading unverified security programs and the importance of using reputable antivirus solutions.[4]
Removal
To remove NavaShield, users are advised to run a full system scan with reputable antivirus software capable of detecting rogue security software. Specialized removal tools, such as Malwarebytes or SpyHunter, can also be used to safely uninstall the software and restore system functionality. Users should avoid manually deleting files without guidance, as this may cause system instability.[5]
Popular culture
In popular culture, NavaShield has been featured in cybersecurity videos discussions as an example of rogue security software.
References
- ^ "Malware analysis NavaShield.zip Malicious activity | ANY.RUN - Malware Sandbox Online". report.any.run. Retrieved 2025-08-14.
- ^ "Nava Shield - Remove Spyware & Malware with SpyHunter - EnigmaSoft Ltd". Remove Spyware & Malware with SpyHunter - EnigmaSoft Ltd. Archived from the original on 2023-07-28. Retrieved 2025-08-16.
- ^ "VirusTotal". www.virustotal.com. Retrieved 2025-08-14.
- ^ "Malware analysis Endermanch@NavaShield.exe Malicious activity | ANY.RUN - Malware Sandbox Online". report.any.run. Retrieved 2025-08-14.
- ^ "Removal instructions for Nava Shield". Malwarebytes Forums. 2016-03-08. Retrieved 2025-08-14.