How to Remove News Pop Up in Windows 10
What is "VIRUS ALERT FROM Windows"?
Like many other technical support scams, this one is designed by scammers who attempt to trick unsuspecting users into calling them via the provided number. In most cases, their main purpose is to trick people into paying to fix a non-existent computer problem (remove viruses).
In any case, such scams should be ignored. Note that the deceptive websites associated with these scams are often opened through dubious ads, bogus websites, or installed potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).
This technical support scam website displays a pop-up window/deceptive notification claiming that the user's computer (Windows registration key) is blocked due to some installed software being pirated, the Windows registration key is illegal, and the operating system is hacked and/or used from an undefined location and is sending viruses over the internet.
To unblock the computer and prevent possible tracking of data and financial activities, the user is encouraged to call the +1-844-900-0923 number, supposedly a Microsoft Support (helpline) number. Generally, scammers behind these websites try to sell fake technical support software or services.
The scammers commonly ask users to install software that gives them remote access to the computer. Scammers can then steal sensitive information and install malicious software (e.g., ransomware, Trojans). In any case, you are strongly advised not to trust these scams and simply ignore them.
Scam pages that prevent users from closing them can be forcibly closed through Task Manager by terminating (ending) the running browser process. As mentioned, technical support scams and other deceptive web pages are often opened by browsers with PUAs installed on them.
These apps not only promote untrusted websites, but also gather various data and display ads. Typically, they collect browsing data such as IP addresses, entered search queries, addresses of visited pages, geolocations, and other data of this kind. They might also record personal, sensitive details as well.
Furthermore, the developers can sell the information to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) or misuse it to generate revenue in other ways. Collected data is often misused to steal identities, or for other purposes. Therefore, users might become victims of identity theft, experience problems relating to browsing safety, online privacy, etc.
The apps can also display coupons, banners, surveys, coupons and other ads. These open dubious web pages and, in some cases, execute scripts designed to download and install PUAs or other unwanted software. Therefore, you should remove all PUAs from browsers and computers immediately.
Name | Virus Alert from MS-Windows technical support scam |
Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud. |
Fake Claim | This scam claims that the user's computer is blocked. |
Tech Support Scammer Phone Number | +1-844-900-0923, +1-855-585-8598 |
Detection Names (va10jhoni22[.]xyz) | Netcraft (Malicious), SCUMWARE.org (Malware), Forcepoint ThreatSeeker (Suspicious), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
Symptoms | Fake error messages, fake system warnings, pop-up errors, hoax computer scan. |
Distribution methods | Compromised websites, rogue online pop-up ads, potentially unwanted applications. |
Damage | Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft, possible malware infections. |
Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Some more examples of similar scams are "Windows Firewall Has Blocked Some Features Of This Program", "Error # 0x80092ee9" and "System Warning Alert". The scammers behind them generate revenue by offering paid fake technical support. In some cases, the criminals try to trick people into giving them remote access to computers.
By trusting these scams, users can suffer monetary loss, become victims of identity theft, have their computers infected with malware, and experience other issues. If such web pages are opened often, it is very likely that the browser has PUAs installed.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Typically, potentially unwanted applications are distributed by including them into the download/installation set-ups of other programs. This distribution method is known as "bundling". PUAs are included as 'additional offers' and are generally listed in "Custom", "Advanced" or other settings.
When users download and install their programs without checking and changing the aforementioned settings, they agree by default with offers to download and install additionally-included apps. In some cases, unwanted downloads and installations are caused through deceptive advertisements that, when clicked, execute certain scripts.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
Do not use dubious websites, Peer-to-Peer networks (torrent clients, eMule), third party downloaders, installers or other similar methods to download or install programs/files. Software and files should be downloaded only from official websites and through direct download links.
Check all "Custom", "Advanced" and other settings, and decline offers to download or install PUAs before completing the process. Do not click intrusive ads, especially if they appear on dubious web pages. These might be capable of running scripts to download and install unwanted apps.
Remove any unwanted, suspicious apps (extensions, plug-ins, add-ons) already installed on the browser immediately. The same should be applied to programs of this kind that are installed on the operating system. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Appearance of the "VIRUS ALERT FROM Windows" scam page (GIF):
Text presented in "VIRUS ALERT FROM Windows" pop-up:
VIRUS ALERT FROM Windows
This computer is BLOCKED
Do not close this window and restart your computer
Your computer's registration key is Blocked.
Why we blocked your computer?
The window's registration key is illegal.
This window is using pirated software.
This window is sending virus over the internet.
This window is hacked or used from undefined location.
We block this computer for your security.
Contact Windows helpline to reactive your computer.
Windows Security Tollfree:
+1-844-900-0923
Text at the bottom of the page:
Windows Support Alert
Your System Detect Some Unusual Activity.
It might harm your computer data and track your financial activities.
Please report this activity +1-844-900-0923
Another variant of "VIRUS ALERT FROM Windows" pop-up scam:
Appearance of another variant ("Virus Alert from MS-Windows") of this pop-up scam:
Another variant of "VIRUS ALERT FROM Windows" pop-up scam:
Yet another example of "VIRUS ALERT FROM Windows" pop-up scam:
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Quick menu:
- What is "VIRUS ALERT FROM Windows"?
- STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove adware from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Removal of potentially unwanted applications:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features . In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall .
Windows 10 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel . In the opened window choose Programs and Features .
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel . Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program .
macOS (OSX) users:
Click Finder , in the opened screen select Applications . Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash .
In the uninstall programs window, look for any suspicious/recently-installed applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove rogue extensions from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:
Click the "gear" icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the virus alert from ms-windows technical support scam, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.
Windows XP users: Click Start , click Run , in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset .
Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset .
Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options .
In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.
Click the Reset button.
Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and remove them.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the virus alert from ms-windows technical support scam, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings . Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions", in the opened window remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with virus alert from ms-windows technical support scam removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu , in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information .
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu , and select Preferences... .
In the opened window click Extensions , locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall .
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon (at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the virus alert from ms-windows technical support scam, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings .
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings .
Select Restore settings to their default values . In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.
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About the author:
Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.
I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.
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How to Remove News Pop Up in Windows 10
Source: https://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/18087-virus-alert-from-windows-pop-up-scam
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