Spyware, viruses, & security : Legitimate Alerts & Scams -- Knowing the Difference

Legitimate Alerts & Scams -- Knowing the Difference

How does the typical computer user know whether a malware pop-up alert is authentic or a scam?

In all the years I've been using a computer at home (about 20), I think I've seen security alerts only three or four times. However, just over the weekend I got an alert. It looked professional and authentic, but I decided to err on the side of caution. I did not click anywhere in that pop-up because I frankly could not tell whether my security software generated the pop-up or whether it was a scam.

It just seems that security software, as an industry standard, should allow users to create a personalized unique icon that would appear as part of any authentic alert notifications. Without that, it seems most users would just be left guessing whether it's a real alert or a scam.

If I'm missing something, please do reply. Thanks in advance.