Microsoft Has Detected Some Suspicious Activity Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is "Microsoft Has Detected Some Suspicious Activity"?
"Microsoft Has Detected Some Suspicious Activity" is malware that locks the computer screen by displaying a fake error message.
The software is distributed with a potentially unwanted program (PUP) called TSS MoboPlay - a fake app management tool. As well as promoting "Microsoft Has Detected Some Suspicious Activity", TSS MoboPlay might also gather various user/system information and deliver intrusive advertisements.
"Microsoft Has Detected Some Suspicious Activity" states that the system has been infected and that personal details (emails, logins/passwords, banking details, etc.) are at risk. It is suggested that the infection should be uninstalled immediately by contacting Microsoft certified technicians via the telephone number ("1-800-603-5246") provided.
Users are then supposedly guided through the removal process. As mentioned, however, this error message is fake. Criminals generate revenue by tricking victims into calling and paying for services that are not required. Therefore, never trust these people or call the aforementioned telephone number.
You can remove the screen lock by entering the "8716098676542789" activation key. TSS MoboPlay might gather various data relating to web browsing activity, including personally identifiable details that are often misused to generate revenue. This behavior can result in serious privacy issues or even identity theft.
Another problem is display of intrusive online advertisements. Potentially unwanted programs often employ a 'virtual layer' to generate pop-up, coupon, banner, and other similar ads. The virtual layer enables placement of third party graphical content on any site.
The ads often conceal underlying visited website content. In addition, some lead to malicious websites - clicking them is risky and can result in further computer infections. Potentially unwanted programs must be uninstalled immediately.
The Internet is full of fake errors similar to "Microsoft Has Detected Some Suspicious Activity". The list of examples includes (but is not limited to) Your PC Ran Into A Problem, Microsoft Security Essentials Toll Free and Your Windows has been banned.
All claim that the system is infected or damaged in other similar ways, however, these errors should never be trusted - they are designed only to generate revenue for the developers by extorting money from unsuspecting users.
Furthermore, potentially unwanted programs are often distributed using a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" - stealth installation of third party apps with regular software/apps.
Developers know that most users do not express enough caution during the download and installation processes (they rush and skip these procedures) and, therefore, bundled apps are hidden within the this section. Users who carelessly rush and skip steps often inadvertently install rogue applications.
Therefore, never rush the download and installation processes. Select the "Custom/Advanced" settings, carefully analyze each step, and cancel all additionally-included programs.
"Microsoft Has Detected Some Suspicious Activity" error message:
Microsoft has detected some suspicious activity on this computer. All access to this device has been revoked due to a network security breach. Attackers might attempt to steal personal information, banking details, emails, passwords and other files on this system. Please contact a Microsoft certified technician on 1-800-603-5246
You can remove "Microsoft Has Detected Some Suspicious Activity" lock screen by entering "8716098676542789" activation key:
Another variant of this scam (scammers are using 1-8440266-6763 phone number) - unlock code is the same as in previous versions - "8716098676542789":
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:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is "Microsoft Has Detected Some Suspicious Activity"?
- STEP 1. "Microsoft Has Detected Some Suspicious Activity" virus removal using safe mode with networking.
- STEP 2. "Microsoft Has Detected Some Suspicious Activity" virus removal using System Restore.
"Microsoft Has Detected Some Suspicious Activity" virus removal:
Step 1
Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK. During your computer starting process press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 8 users: Go to the Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click on Advanced Startup options, in the opened "General PC Settings" window select Advanced Startup. Click on the "Restart now" button. Your computer will now restart into "Advanced Startup options menu".
Click on the "Troubleshoot" button, then click on "Advanced options" button. In the advanced option screen click on "Startup settings". Click on the "Restart" button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press "5" to boot in Safe Mode with Networking Prompt.
Video showing how to start Windows 8 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 10 users: Click the Windows logo and select the Power icon. In the opened menu click "Restart" while holding "Shift" button on your keyboard.
In the "choose an option" window click on the "Troubleshoot", next select "Advanced options". In the advanced options menu select "Startup Settings" and click on the "Restart" button. In the following window you should click the "F5" button on your keyboard. This will restart your operating system in safe mode with networking.
Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Step 2
Log in to the account infected with the "Microsoft Has Detected Some Suspicious Activity" virus. Start your Internet browser and download a legitimate anti-spyware program. Update the anti-spyware software and start a full system scan. Remove all entries detected.
If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking, try performing a System Restore.
Video showing how to remove viruses using "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" and "System Restore":
1. During your computer starting process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears, and then select Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list and press ENTER.
2. When Command Prompt Mode loads, enter the following line: cd restore and press ENTER.
3. Next, type this line: rstrui.exe and press ENTER.
4. In the opened window, click "Next".
5. Select one of the available Restore Points and click "Next" (this will restore your computer system to an earlier time and date, prior to the "Microsoft Has Detected Some Suspicious Activity" virus infiltrating your PC).
6. In the opened window, click "Yes".
7. After restoring your computer to a previous date, download and scan your PC with recommended malware removal software to eliminate any remnants of the "Microsoft Has Detected Some Suspicious Activity" virus.
If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking (or with Command Prompt), boot your computer using a rescue disk.
Some viruses disable Safe Mode making it's removal complicated. For this step, you require access to another computer. After removing "Microsoft Has Detected Some Suspicious Activity" virus from your PC, restart your computer and scan it with legitimate anti-spyware software to remove any possible remnants of this security infection.
Other tools known to remove this scam:
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion