Windows Security Warning Popup Scam

Windows Security Warning Popup Scam is yet another security scam that claims that your PC has been infected with a virus and “recommends” installing an anti-virus application. The suggested anti-virus is legitimate, but this virus warning is not and, so you ought to remove whatever is showing you this scam. However, it does not look like it is a browser extension or application because we have received reports that you can get redirected to its page from certain websites. For more information on this scam, please read this whole article.

First things first, we need to discuss how this scam may be shown to you. It has already been established that this scam is not supported by any application or browser extension. We believe that this scam must be hosted on some shady website or even several websites that open it in a new tab or as a pop-up window. Also, this scam page can go to full-screen mode and, thus, prevent you from closing it by clicking the X button. However, you can press ESC or F11 to exit the full screen. Another important thing to note is that Windows Security Warning Popup Scam may prevent you from closing it. Therefore, you might need to launch Task Manager and end your browser’s process.

Windows Security Warning Popup Scam is a fake security warning that claims that your PC has been infected with a virus which is not true. Your PC might be malware free, but this scam will claim that it has been infected anyway. Its objective is to promote an anti-malware program. The scam page is a blue Window that contains one of two possible text variants. The first possible variant will read the following:

Windows Security Warning

ISP warning!
Viruses Distributing From
[Location]

Install Antivirus immediately or update your antivirus
{ISP] reocmmends to scan HDD with antivirus software. If you don't have antivirus or your antivirus is out of date get new antivirus here.

Step 1: download latest antivirus
Step 2: perform system scanning
Step 3: fix system vulnerability
Step 4 (optionaly): uninstall antivirus

Download recommended antivirus

This warning makes it look like your Internet Service Provider (ISP) knows when your PC is infected with malware which is not possible. As you expect, it recommends downloading an anti-virus program and features a red download button that reads “Download recommended antivirus” which will initiate the download of Mcafee Antivirus. Now, we are positive that the people at Mcafee are not aware that their software is being promoted by malware. We think that the developers of Windows Security Warning Popup Scam advertise this anti-virus program through affiliates to hide their tracks. Now let us take a look at the second text version of this scam that reads the following:

Windows Security Warning:

READ BEFORE CONTINUING

Your Windows antivirus protection may not be sufficient enough. Get Mcafee Antivirus now and protect your computer from malware, viruses and online hackers.

It is strongly advised that you get protected now.

**************************

Browser: Firefox

Service Provider: [isp]

IP Address: [ip_address]

This version of the scam page is more honest as it promotes Mcafee Antivirus up front. The motivation for downloading the anti-virus is different as this scam does not claim that your PC has been infected with malware but rather the protection that you have is not sufficient. The promotion strategy here is more subtle and may not be considered as a scam because it just suggests getting the anti-virus. The first version of the text, on the other hand, lies, and claims that your PC has been infected. Therefore, we recommend that you delete whatever is showing you Windows Security Warning Popup Scam.

In closing, Windows Security Warning Popup Scam is a deceptive scam that promotes an anti-virus program. While this anti-virus is legitimate, this scam page wants you to believe that your PC has been infected with malware and you need to get an anti-virus to remove it while your PC might be just fine, in fact. Getting an anti-malware program is not a bad idea, but you do not need it for getting rid of Windows Security Warning Popup Scam as we believe that it may have entered your PC via malicious websites. To be on the safe side, we recommend that you reset your browser to its default settings to rollback any modifications to it.

How to reset your web browser

Microsoft Internet Explorer

1. Launch Internet Explorer.
2. Press Alt+T.
3. Select Internet Options, and then click the Advanced tab.
4. Click Reset and check the checkbox.
5. Click Reset.

Google Chrome

1. Launch Chrome, press Alt+F keys and open Settings.
2. Select Show advanced settings and click Reset settings.
3. Click Reset.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Launch Firefox and press Alt+H.
2. Select Troubleshooting information and click Refresh Firefox.
3. Click Refresh Firefox again.
4. Click Finish.