What is Windows Security Warning Popup Scam?
Windows Security Warning Popup Scam is exactly what its name says — it is a scam, a tech support scam to be exact because it says that says that your PC has been infected with malware and you need to get an anti-malware program. Therefore, you ought to remove this scam. It does not install anything without your consent, but it annoyingly promotes Mcafee Antivirus, a legitimate anti-virus program whose developers probably do not know that their program is being promoted by scammers. The scammers may generate ad revenue as they may be affiliated with shady advertisers. In any case, the reason why they promote this anti-virus program remains a mystery. For more information, please read this whole article.
What does Windows Security Warning Popup Scam do?
Windows Security Warning Popup Scam is one of many fake Microsoft security alerts that have been very prominent lately. Fake Windows Defender Alert: Zeus Virus, Windows Firewall Blocked The Internet, and Windows Detected Alureon Virus Pop-up come from different developers, but the idea behind them is the same — to trick you into purchasing their services or promoted applications. Windows Security Warning Popup Scam does the latter as it is dedicated to promoting Mcafee Antivirus, a legitimate and useful anti-virus program. However, the people at Mcafee are probably not aware of the fact that their software is promoted by scammers and would definitely not approve it.
Our analysis has shown that this scam comes as a redirect from shady websites and is opened in a new tab or as a pop-up window. It is opened automatically and subjects you to false information. Therefore, that is why we call it a scam. When this scam loads, you will see a blue window. This window can be loaded in full-screen mode, so you may be unable to close it. So you have to press Esc or F11 to exit the full screen. However, you may not be able to close your browser because this scam page might prevent you. Therefore, you might have to kill your browser’s process from Task Manager.
This fake alert can present you with two types of texts when you get redirected to it. The first one is set to read 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 window does not say that your PC is infected, but plainly promotes Mcafee Antivirus saying that you need to protect your PC from potential threats. The only deceptive thing about the version of this particular text is that it says that it is a “Windows Security Warning.” The other version of this scam has a different, deceptive message that reads:
Windows Security Warning
[ISP name] warning!
Viruses Distributing From
[Location]Install Antivirus immediately or update your antivirus
[ISP name] recommends 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 antivirusDownload recommended antivirus
This version says that your PC has been infected with malware from a specific location. The location varies depending on where you are also. The window includes the name of your Internet Service Provider (ISP) giving you the impression that your ISP is warning you about malware which is impossible for them to do in real life. Again, this window promotes an anti-malware program but does not include its name.
Where does Windows Security Warning Popup Scam come from?
The origins of Windows Security Warning Popup Scam are unknown but it is clear that it comes from scammers. Our researchers have not found any cases of this scam being promoted using browser extensions or desktop applications. Therefore, it seems that this scam is promoted on certain websites that may redirect you to it on purpose while you browse the web. If you have seen a website redirect you to this scam, then please share this information in the comments below.
How do I remove Windows Security Warning Popup Scam?
That is all of the information we currently have on Windows Security Warning Popup Scam. The reason why it promotes Mcafee Antivirus is unknown, but we are positive that Mcafee is no way affiliated with this scam. This scam can be annoying and intrusive and, above all, it is deceptive, so we suggest you remove it. We think that resetting your browser should do the trick, but you might have to kill your browser’s process, provided that this scam will prevent you from closing it normally. Please see the instructions below.
How to terminate a running process
- Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
- Select Task Manager.
- Select the Processes tab.
- Right-click firefox.exe, chrome.exe or iexplore.exe
- Click End Process and click End Process again.
- Close Task Manager.
How to reset your browser to its default settings
Mozilla Firefox
- Launch Firefox.
- Simultaneously press Alt+H keys.
- Select Troubleshooting Information.
- Click Refresh Firefox.
- Click Refresh Firefox again in the dialog box.
- Finish.
Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Open the browser.
- Simultaneously press Alt+T and click Internet Options.
- Open the Advanced tab and click Reset.
- Mark Delete personal settings.
- Click Reset and then click Close.
Google Chrome
- Open the browser and click Alt+F.
- Select Settings.
- Click Show advanced settings and locate Reset browser settings.
- Click Reset browser settings.
- In the dialog box, click Reset.
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