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Microsoft Has Detected A Porn Virus Scam

Also Known As: "Microsoft Has Detected A Porn Virus" virus
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Microsoft Has Detected A Porn Virus?

"Microsoft Has Detected A Porn Virus" is a deceptive pop-up error message claiming that the system has been infected. This error is displayed by a malicious website, which users often visit inadvertently - they are automatically redirected to it by various potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).

These applications usually infiltrate systems without users' consent ("bundling" method). As well as causing unwanted redirects, PUPs deliver intrusive online advertisements and continually track Internet browsing activity.

Microsoft Has Detected A Porn Virus adware

"Microsoft Has Detected A Porn Virus" states that a computer infection has been detected and that private information (logins/passwords, credit card details, etc.) is at risk. According to the pop-up, the malware must be removed immediately by contacting technical support via a toll-free telephone number ("+1-844-786-8921").

Certified technicians then (supposedly) safely remove the malware. In fact, the "Microsoft Has Detected A Porn Virus" error is fake and should not be trusted. By falsely stating that the system is infected, cyber criminals attempt to trick users into calling and paying for services that are not required. Therefore, never attempt to contact these people.

You can remove this error by simply closing the web browser. Be aware that PUPs employ a "virtual layer" to generate pop-up, coupon, banner, and other similar advertisements. The virtual layer enables placement of third party graphical content on any site.

Therefore, displayed ads often conceal underlying content, thereby significantly diminishing the Internet browsing experience. In addition, they often redirect to malicious websites and even accidental clicks can result in high-risk adware or malware infections. Another downside is information tracking.

Research shows that potentially unwanted programs gather Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, geo-locations, mouse/keyboard activity, URLs visited, pages viewed, queries entered into search engines, and other similar information relating to users' Internet browsing activity.

This collected data might contain personal details that developers of PUPs share with third parties. There is a high probability that private details are misused to generate revenue. This behavior can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. PUPs should be uninstalled immediately from your system.

Threat Summary:
Name "Microsoft Has Detected A Porn Virus" virus
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Symptoms Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Decreased Internet browsing speed.
Distribution methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers.
Damage Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections.
Malware Removal (Windows)

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The Internet is full of websites displaying fake errors similar to "Microsoft Has Detected A Porn Virus". Examples include System Blocked For Security Reasons, Your System Might Be Infected, Do Not Ignore This Windows Alert, and many others. All claim that the system is missing files or damaged in other similar ways, however, these errors should never be trusted.

They are merely attempts to generate revenue by extorting money from unsuspecting users. Potentially unwanted programs are designed only to generate revenue for the developers.

By delivering promises to enable various 'useful functionality', they attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, rather than providing any significant value for regular users, PUPs cause unwanted browser redirects, deliver intrusive ads, and collect private information.

How did adware install on my computer?

Cyber criminals proliferate potentially unwanted programs using a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" - stealth installation of third party applications with regular software. Developers know that most users rush the download and installation processes and skip many steps.

Therefore, bundled programs are hidden within the "Custom/Advanced" settings. Skipping this section often leads to inadvertent installation of potentially unwanted programs.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

PUPs are distributed using the bundling method. Therefore, never rush the download or installation processes. Select the "Custom/Advanced" settings and carefully analyze each step. Furthermore, opt-out of all additionally-included programs and decline offers to download/install them.

Screenshot of "Microsoft has Detected A Porn Virus" pop-up (GIF):

Microsoft Has Detected A Porn Virus gif

Text presented within the first pop-up:

Microsoft has detected that a porn virus has infected your system and trying to steal pictures, data, and social networking passwords. This is a serious hacking issue. Rectify it immediately. IMMEDIATE RESPONSE REQUIRED. Please Do Not Try to Fix Manually. It May Crash Your Data. ERROR CODE: ERR7343DYJ6 Call 1844-786-8921 (Toll Free) and tell this code to agent. Please Visit Your Nearest Windows Service Centre OR Call Help Desk Customer Service +1-844-786-8921 (TOLL-FREE) IMMEDIATE RESPONSE REQUIRED PLEASE DO NOT SHUT DOWN OR RESTART YOUR COMPUTER, DOING THAT MAY LEAD TO DATA LOSS AND FAILURE OF OPERATING SYSTEM, HENCE BOOTABLE SITUATION RESULTING COMPLETE DATA LOSS. The Trojan and backdoors are not themselves easily detectable, but if they carry our significant computing or communications activity may cause the computer to run noticeably slowly. Malicious program are classified as Trojans if they do not attempt to inject themselves into other files (computer ZEUS virus) or otherwise propagate themselves (worm). A computer may host a Trojan via a malicious program a user is duped into executing files or browsing Internet. Network administration department at +1-844-786-8921 (TOLL-FREE)

Text presented within the second pop-up:

The problem is caused by an unusual activity performed on this machine. Please call our Microsoft Support Team at +1-844-786-8921 (TollFree) to resolve this issues.

Instant automatic malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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Quick menu:

Adware removal:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

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:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

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.

Microsoft Has Detected A Porn Virus adware uninstall via Control Panel

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 program, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove adware from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing Microsoft Has Detected A Porn Virus ads from Internet Explorer step 1

Click the "gear" icon Internet Explorer options 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".

Removing Microsoft Has Detected A Porn Virus ads from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the "microsoft has detected a porn virus" virus, 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.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows XP

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.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 7

Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.

Reseting Internet Explorer settings to default in Windows 8 - accessing

In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - Internet options advanced tab

Click the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - click the Reset button in the Internet options advanced tab

Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - confirm settings reset to default by clicking the reset button

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing Microsoft Has Detected A Porn Virus  ads from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome options icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, select these entries and click the trash can icon.

Removing Microsoft Has Detected A Porn Virus ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the "microsoft has detected a porn virus" virus, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing Microsoft Has Detected A Porn Virus ads from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.

Removing Microsoft Has Detected A Porn Virus ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with "microsoft has detected a porn virus" virus removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

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...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the "microsoft has detected a porn virus" virus, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

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.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, 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

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.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Removal Instructions in other languages
Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
Microsoft Has Detected A Porn Virus virus QR code
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