How to block and remove fake “Security Alert” pop-up ads
The red Security Alert webpage is a deceptive security warning that attempts to bait potential victims to call a tech-support scam hotline. The Security Alert advertisements look similar to legitimate Google Chrome security alerts. They have a red background and the advertisements will take up an entire webpage in a new tab or pop-up window. The Security Alert webpage will contain a fake warning message that says something like “Windows Firewall Security might be damaged.”
The red “Security Alert” message is fake and connected to tech-support scams. The Security Alert webpage is designed to bait unsuspecting computer users into calling a tech-support phone number. Once the Security Alert tech-support phone number is called the tech-support entity will attempt to gain remote connection to the target’s computer. They will usually ask callers to download a program such as AAMYY in order to give the entity a remote connection. When a remote connection is made the scammers will typically provide false information or download malware on to the victim’s computer. They will then ask for a payment in order to remove the threats they remotely placed on the computer system.
The Security Alert webpage is difficult to close. If you try to close the web browser window multiple browser notification pop-ups will appear with further misleading details. In order to close the Security Alert messages you will need to close multiple browser notifications or end the browser’s process in the Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+ESC).
If you see Security Alert advertisements and are redirected to the blue webpage it does not mean that your computer is infected with malware or any threat. Sometimes these advertisements are embedded by website owners whom use a particular advertising platform. The types of webpages that usually take advantage of these aggressive and misleading advertisements include torrenting websites, video streaming websites, pornography website, gaming websites, gambling websites, file sharing websites, and more.
Advertisements that have been implemented by website owners can be blocked by use of free browser add-ons and extension such as AdBlock and uBlock Origin. These browser attachments are available for multiple internet browsers.
The misleading advertisements can also be generated by adware that has infected your computer. If your computer is infected with adware you may notice pop-up Security Alert advertisements on any website. If this is the case we suggest that you read the guide below to help you remove Security Alert adware and other threats from your computer.
Message Example
Security Alert: Windows Firewall Security might be Damaged !!! A Your personal data, Banking Details & Tracking Your Internet Activity maybe exposed. Windows Security Center & Firewall Services maybe Disabled, Error code 0x8007042c; . Your TCP Connection maybe Blocked by Your Firewall. Your Accounts May be Suspended Until You Take an Action. Your Personal Information May Have Leaked. IMMEDIATE RESPONSE REQUIRED Your Hard Disk May Have Trojan Virus! Please Do Not Try to Fix Manually, It May Crash Your Data. Please Visit Your Nearest Windows Service Center OR Call Help Desk --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Customer Service: 844-900-0399 (TOLL-FREE) And then press 1 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Details Back to safety
How to remove adware from your computer
- Scan your computer with Malwarebytes
- Scan your computer with HitmanPro
- Uninstall unwanted programs
- Remove unwanted browser add-ons
- Cleanup and repair settings with CCleaner
Call Virus Removal Helpline: 1-866-521-2427
1. Scan your computer with Malwarebytes
The first step to remove adware is to download and install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software in order to perform a full system scan for malicious files.
1. Download and Install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software.
2. Open Malwarebytes and click the Scan Now button or go to the Scan tab and click the Start Scan button.
3. When the Malwarebytes scan is complete click the Remove Selected button.
4. To finish the Malwarebytes scan and remove detected threats click the Finish button and restart your computer if promoted to do so.
2. Scan your computer with HitmanPro
The second step to remove adware is to download and install a second opinion scanner called HitmanPro by Surfright in order to perform a full system scan for malicious files.
1. Download and Install HitmanPro by Surfright.
2. Open HitmanPro and click Next to start scanning your computer. *If you are using the free version you may chose to create a copy or perform a one-time scan.
3. When the HitmanPro scan is complete click the Next button.
4. To activate the free version of HitmanPro: enter your email address twice and click the Activate button.
5. Click the Reboot button.
3. Uninstall Security Alert and unwanted programs
The third step to remove adware is to uninstall unwanted programs in Windows Control Panel.
1. Open Windows Start Menu and go to the Control Panel.
2. In the Programs section click Uninstall a program. In earlier versions of Windows this is listed as “Add and remove programs.”
3. Search for the unwanted program you want to uninstall and double click it.
4. Remove Security Alert and unwanted browser add-ons
The fourth step to adware is to remove unwanted browser add-ons and extensions from Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Internet Explorer, and Apple Safari.
Google Chrome
1. Click the Customize and control Google Chrome icon and go to More tools > Extensions.
2. Search for the unwanted extension in the list and click the trashcan icon.
Mozilla Firefox
1. Open the Menu and click Add-ons.
2. Search for the unwanted add-on and click Remove.
Microsoft Internet Explorer
1. Go to Tools (Alt+X) and click Manage add-ons.
2. Search for the unwanted add-on in the list, select it with your mouse, and click Remove.
Apple Safari
1. Go to Safari > Preferences > Extensions.
2. Search for the unwanted extension in the list and click the Uninstall button.
5. Cleanup and repair settings with CCleaner
The fifth step to remove adware is to download and install CCleaner by Piriform in order to delete leftover junk files, tracking cookies, registry entries, unwanted start-up tasks, and more.
1. Download and Install CCleaner by Piriform.
2. Open CCleaner and go to the main Cleaner screen. Click the Analyze button. When the process is complete, click the Run Cleaner button on the bottom right of the program interface.
3. Go to Tools > Startup and search for suspicious entries in each tab starting from Windows all the way to Content Menu. If you find anything suspicious click it and click the Delete button to remove it.
4. Go to the Registry window and click the Scan for Issues button. When the scan is complete click the Fix selected issues… button and click Fix All Selected Issues.
