Microsoft System Security Alert Scam

What is Microsoft System Security Alert?

"Microsoft System Security Alert" is a fake error message displayed by a deceptive website that users often visit inadvertently - they are redirected by various potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). Note that PUPs usually infiltrate systems without consent (the "bundling" method). In addition, they often deliver intrusive advertisements and track users' Internet browsing activity.

The "Microsoft System Security Alert" messages states that the system has been infected and, for this reason, some functionality (for example, the Internet connection) has been blocked. It states that the malware must be removed immediately and victims should contact "Microsoft Customer Support" via a toll-free telephone number ("+1-866-217-8835") provided.

They will then supposedly be guided through the malware removal process. As mentioned above, however, this message is fake and should not be trusted. Cyber criminals attempt to scare and trick victims into calling and paying for fake technical support that is not even needed (the malware does not exist). Therefore, never attempt to call the telephone number.

The "Microsoft System Security Alert" error can be removed simply by closing the web browser. PUPs also deliver pop-up, coupon, banner, and other ads that often conceal underlying content, significantly diminishing the browsing experience. In addition, these ads might redirect to malicious websites - clicking them risks further adware or malware infections.

Another downside is data tracking. PUPs monitor browsing activity by recording IP addresses, URLs visited, search queries, pages viewed, mouse/keyboard activity, and other similar information.

This data might contain personal details that developers share with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse private details to generate revenue. This type of information tracking can result in serious privacy issues or even identity theft. For these reasons, PUPs should be uninstalled immediately.

Threat Summary:

Name	"Microsoft System Security Alert" 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)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner 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.

There are many fake error messages that share similarities with "Microsoft System Security Alert" including, for example, Warning - Your Computer Is Infected!, Windows Firewall Blocked The Internet, and Your Windows Is Infected. All claim that the system is damaged in certain ways.

Bear in mind, however, that fake errors are designed only to generate revenue for the developers. As with Microsoft System Security Alert, these other pop-ups should never be trusted.

By offering various 'useful features', all PUPs attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, rather than providing any significant value for regular users, they cause unwanted redirects, display ads, and record various user-system information.

How did adware install on my computer?

Developers proliferate PUPs by employing a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" - they hide bundled programs within the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings of the download/installation processes. Rushing this stage and skipping steps exposes systems to risk of various infections and compromises users' privacy.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

To prevent this situation, be very cautious when downloading and installing software. Carefully analyze each step using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings. Furthermore, decline offers to download/install additional applications. The key to computer safety is caution.

Text presented within "Microsoft System Security Alert" pop-up:

Microsoft System Security Alert
Oops!! Something went wrong with your Windows
Dear Windows User,
The Website you have recently visited may have downloaded the Malware and Virus on your Windows system.
Microsoft Defender is Suspicious about your Windows System Security. Your TCP Connection was blocked by Your Windows Security System. Your Windows and Chrome has been locked until we may hear from you to immediately fix this issue. Please contact Microsoft Windows Help Desk Customer Support: +1-866-217-8835 (TOLL-FREE)

Another variant of "Microsoft System Security Alert" scam:

Text presented in this scam:

Microsoft System Security Alert
Something went wrong with your Windows

Dear Windows User, the Website you have recently visited may have downloaded the Malware and Virus on your Windows system.
Malicious Spyware/Malware Detected
Error # 0x80072ee7

Please call us immediately at: +1-877-372-6054
Do not ignore this critical alert.
 If you close this page, your computer access will be disabled to prevent further damage to our network.
 Your Windows and Chrome has been locked untill we may hear from you to immediately fix this issue.The following information is being stolen...
> Financial Data
> Facebook Logins
> Credit Card Details
> Email Account Logins
> Photos stored on this computer
 Please call us within the next 5 minutes to prevent your computer from being disabled or from any information or data loss.

 Customer Suppor Toll Free: +1-877-372-6054

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▼ 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 System Security Alert?
• 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 extension from Safari.
• STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.

Adware removal:

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 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:

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 "microsoft system security alert" 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.

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, select these entries and click the trash can icon.

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the "microsoft system security alert" virus, 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 "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with "microsoft system security alert" virus 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 "microsoft system security alert" virus, 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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