Ransomware Detected Scam

What is Ransomware Detected?

"Ransomware Detected" is a fake pop-up error message displayed by a malicious website that users often visit inadvertently - they are redirected by potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) that infiltrate systems without consent. Many PUPs also deliver intrusive online advertisements and record information relating to users' Internet browsing activity.

The pop-up message states that the system has been infected with a ransomware-type virus and, therefore, private details (logins/passwords, banking information, etc.) are at risk. It goes on to state that the malware must be eliminated immediately by contacting the "Microsoft Help Desk" via a toll-free telephone number ("61-(08) 9677 5482") provided.

These "certified technicians" then supposedly guide users through the malware removal process. Bear in mind, however, that the people behind the "Ransomware Detected" pop-up are cyber criminals. This error is a scam. They attempt to scare and trick users into calling and paying for technical support that is not required. The error message is fake.

Therefore, never attempt to contact these people. As mentioned above, PUPs are also likely to deliver various ads such as banners, coupons, pop-ups, etc. These often conceal underlying website content, thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience.

In addition, the ads often lead to malicious websites and even accidental clicks can result in high-risk adware or malware infections. PUPs also monitor web browsing activity by gathering IP addresses, URLs visited, pages viewed, queries entered into search engines, and other similar information.

The collected data is later shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse private information to generate revenue. Therefore, the presence of information-tracking applications can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	"Ransomware Detected" 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 numerous fake errors that share similarities with "Ransomware Detected" including Your Windows Is Infected, Error Virus - Trojan Backdoor Hijack, and Windows 10 Technical Support, etc. These pop-ups also claim that the system is damaged in some way, however, they have an identical purpose: to generate revenue for the developers.

These errors are fake and should be ignored. You can remove them simply by closing the web browser. All claims to provide 'useful features' are merely attempts to give the impression of legitimacy. In fact, these PUPs cause unwanted redirects, deliver intrusive ads, and continually record private information.

How did adware install on my computer?

Cyber criminals proliferate PUPs by employing a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". Research shows that users often rush when downloading and installing software. Aware of this, developers hide bundled programs within the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings. Rushing and skipping this section often leads to inadvertent installation of rogue software.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

There are two simple steps you should take to prevent system infiltration by PUPs: 1) closely analyze each download/installation step using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and; 2) opt-out of all additionally-included programs. The key to computer safety is caution.

Another variant of this scam (scammers are using +45 32-725-473 phone number):

Text presented within "Ransomware Detected" pop-up:

Object:
Error #268D3 (Unauthorised access)
Region:
Russia, China, Vietnam
Compromised Information:
1) Facebook Logins
2) Credit Card Detail
3) Email Account login
Action:
Do Not Shut down or Reset Your Computer, Call Security Expert & Scan Your Device & Network Now.
+61-(08) 9677 5482 (Toll Free)


The server reports that it is from Internet Security Damaged !!! WanaCry Ransomware Threat Detected !! Call Microsoft Help Desk: +61-(08) 9677 5482 (TOLL-FREE) for Free Checkup.

Warning: Your user name and password will be sent using basic authentication on a connection that isn’t secure.

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 "Ransomware Detected"?
• 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 "ransomware detected" 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 and remove them.

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the "ransomware detected" 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 plugins 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 "ransomware detected" 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 "ransomware detected" 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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