Fake Windows Defender Alert: Zeus Virus

We have recently come across a new tech support scam that has since been called Fake Windows Defender Alert: Zeus Virus. This particular fake security alert claims that your PC is infected with the Zeus Virus. However, that is not the case as this alert lies outright. It promotes a fake tech support phone number that is apparently toll-free but the people on the other end of the line can trick you into paying for their useless help. You can remove this fake alert by resetting your web browser to its default settings. Also, anti-malware program can also get rid of it for you and protect your PC from future infections like Fake Windows Defender Alert: Zeus Virus. In this short description, we will discuss the functionality, distribution and the removal process of this fake alert.

If this fake alert were to enter your computer, then it will appear at random while you browse the web. The pop-up has a blue background with the heading “Windows Defender Alert: Zeus Virus Detected In Your Computer!!” On top of the window, the fake alert generates a dialogue box that requires you to enter a User Name and Password. This alert is hosted on http://547566458877948786467{.}win and requests you the credentials you do not have to enter. Furthermore, you cannot close this fake alert that easily as it is loaded in full screen. Nevertheless, you can press Esc or F11 to exit the full screen. However, you may need to close your web browser via Task Manager to also close this alert.

This particular fake alert promotes a fake tech support phone number (88) 359-4379 which is known to be malicious. The people on the other end of the line pretend to be certified professionals that will claim to help you get rid of the fake Zeus Virus. However, they will probably ask you to pay for their services because there is no other explanation for the existence of this bogus security alert. The alert is not very believable but was crafted well enough to trick unwary, casual computer users that can mistake this fake alert as legitimate. We strongly advise you against complying with this fake alert as you can get rid of it on your own rather easily. Now that we know how it works let us take a look at its possible dissemination methods.

You can get Fake Windows Defender Alert: Zeus Virus accidentally by clicking a malicious link or pop-up on a questionable website. The script imbedded in the link can automatically inject this fake alert into your browser without your knowledge. Furthermore, we believe that it is likely that it can also be distributed via malicious downloads. It is likely that certain freeware distributing websites can have this bogus alert bundled and also inject it into your browser secretly. Therefore, you should watch out for questionable websites that offer many free programs as they often make money by bundling perfectly good software with alerts such as Fake Windows Defender Alert: Zeus Virus.

While this particular fake alert does not pose a major security threat, it is annoying and intrusive and will hinder your computing experience constantly. Therefore, due to the malicious nature of it, you should delete it. All you have to do is go to your browser’s options menu and restore it to its original defaults. Nevertheless, if you have a good antimalware program, then it should also have it removed in no time. Please see the guide below on how to get rid of this alert manually.

How to get rid of this bogus alert

Microsoft Internet Explorer

1. Press Alt+T and click Internet Options.
2. Open the Advanced tab and click Reset.
3. Select the checkbox.
4. Click Reset and then click Close.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Press Alt+H and click Troubleshooting Information.
2. Click Reset Firefox.
3. In the dialog box, click Reset Firefox.
4. Click Finish.

Google Chrome

1. Press Alt+F and go to Settings.
2. Select Show advanced settings.
3. Click Reset settings, and then click Reset again.