RANSOMWARE HAS BEEN DETECTED IN YOUR PC

Has an unknown pop-up appeared in the browser? Cybercriminals use the pop-up window indicating ransomware and other fake pop-ups to commit fraud, and spread it via adware. This article explains how to identify and remove fake pop-ups. Read on to learn about these topics:

· What are fake pop-ups?

·How pop-up scams work?

·Ways to identify fake pop-ups?

· How to remove fake pop-ups?

· Different types of fake pop-ups?

· Protection against pop-up scams?

· How to prevent fake pop-ups?

What are fake pop-ups?

Websites generate pop-up windows to offer users additional information or guidance (for example, how to fill out a form, how to apply a discount code, etc.). However, some can be unwanted or even dangerous windows. Typically these are fake pop-ups. In fact, some fake pop-ups are designed to make you click a button that redirects you to a fake site. Some pop-ups can also be installed by adware or malware programs.

So what is the pop-up window stating that ransomware has been detected? Like other fake pop-ups, this one displays a fake security warning as part of a pop-up scam. Fake pop-ups can appear in the browser (if the adware redirects the browser) or caused by adware or malware programs installed on the computer.

The adware could be something you've accidentally downloaded, possibly by mistakenly clicking on a malicious ads. It is also possible that the adware has infected your computer through a link in a spam email or an attachment that you have opened. Once on your computer, the adware automatically displays pop-up windows in your browser when you are online. The pop-up window stating that ransomware has been detected is one of many fake pop-ups that can trigger malicious advertising.

The message that appears in the pop-up window stating that ransomware has been detected may look like the following:

Object:

Error # 268D3 (unauthorized access)

Region:

Russia, China, Vietnam

Compromised information:

1) Facebook logins

2) Credit card details

3) Login to email account

Action:

Do not shut down or reset your computer, contact your security expert and scan your device and network now.

The server reports that Internet security is broken!! A WannaCry ransomware threat has been detected! Call Microsoft Technical

Warning: Your username and password will be sent using Basic Authentication over a connection that is not secure.

Don't interact with the window. Instead, follow the fake adware and pop-up removal process outlined in this article.

How do pop-up scams work?

Fake pop-ups, such as the pop-up stating that ransomware has been detected, tell users that there is a security threat or a technical problem with the computer. They instruct users to call a phone number specified in the pop-up window in order to pay for technical support to resolve this threat.

Cybercriminals use these pop-up scams to earn money. They prey on concerned users who want to make sure their computers are protected, asking them for money to troubleshoot and resolve threats that don't exist.

To learn more about how pop-up scams and help desk scams work, read our article on Tech Support Offer Scams.

How to identify fake pop-ups?

Now that you know what pop-up scams are, let's see how they can be detected. Here are some ways to identify a fake popup:

1) Look for misspellings and unprofessional images

To identify a fake popup window, look closely at the information displayed in the popup. Are there any spelling mistakes? Do the images look professional?

Bad spelling and grammar, and unprofessional images, suggest that a pop-up is fake.

2) Compare the popup to a legitimate notification

Fake pop-ups may indicate that they come from your Internet security provider. It is important to be able to differentiate legitimate notifications from fake pop-ups. Familiarize yourself with what legitimate notifications typically look like (from antivirus or internet security software you use). If you are using Kaspersky Internet Security, this is what our security notifications look like. Getting familiar with what legitimate notifications look like will help you spot a fake popup. If in doubt, ignore the pop-up window and scan your computer with your Internet security product.

3) Try closing the browser

Fake pop-ups can cause the browser to switch to full screen mode. If the browser is in full screen mode and you see a suspicious pop-up window, try minimizing or closing the browser.

If you can't minimize or close the browser, the pop-up you are seeing is likely a scam. Be careful when trying to close or minimize the popup: the buttons to minimize and close the window are usually not real. They are just images of actual buttons on a button and by clicking them you will be interacting with the popup.

4) Verify the phone number

Most fake pop-ups provide a phone number and prompt you to call the phone number to resolve a security threat. If the pop-up window indicates that it is from the Internet security provider, please compare the provided phone number with the number on the official website.

Another way to verify a phone number is to type it into the search engine. Legitimate business phone numbers can be verified in this way. If you can't find the business the phone number is attributed to, it's probably a scam.

5) Remember that we will not ask you to call us

Although your Internet security provider may offer technical support over the phone, they will not ask you to call them, especially not through a pop-up window. You’re Antivirus or Internet Security Software doesn't require you to call anyone for it to work. Threats are usually resolved in the software itself.

If you are asked to call a number in a pop-up window to resolve a security threat or fix a technical problem, it is likely a pop-up scam.

How to prevent fake pop-ups?

So how can you protect your computer from adware and prevent fake pop-ups from appearing? Follow our adware and fake popup prevention tips to stay protected:

·Use antivirus software or a complete Internet security solution. We recommend Total Security

·Keep your Antivirus and Internet security software up-to-date.

·Keep your browser, software, and operating system up to date.

·Read user reviews and developer descriptions before downloading apps and software.

·Read the permissions that applications and software request to verify their legitimacy.

·Check that the applications and software have a reasonable number of downloads.

·Download applications and software only from sites you trust.

·Don't click on unverified links in unknown spam emails, messages, or websites.

·Never open attachments in spam emails.

·If you use a public Wi-Fi network, use a secure VPN connection. We recommend VPN Secure Connection

·Never insert unknown discs or USB devices into your computer.