Suspicious Incoming Network Connections Scam

What is Suspicious Incoming Network Connections?

Similar to Ransomware Detected, Error Virus - Trojan Backdoor Hijack, Your Windows Is Infected, and many others, "Suspicious Incoming Network Connections" is a fake 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.

Note that PUPs also deliver intrusive online advertisements and track browsing activity by recording various user-system information.

This pop-up message states that Windows Firewall has detected a trojan, the operating system's activation key has supposedly expired, and that private information (logins/passwords, credit card details, etc.) has been stolen.

It goes on to state that the "issue" must be resolved immediately and users are encouraged to contact Google Help Desk via a telephone number ("+1-844-284-8623") provided. Victims are then supposedly guided through the malware removal process. In fact, the "Suspicious Incoming Network Connections" error is fake and should be ignored.

Cyber criminals aim to scare and trick victims into calling and paying for fake technical support. You can remove this error simply by closing the web browser. Be aware that most PUPs deliver various intrusive advertisements (for example, pop-up, banner, coupon, etc.) that conceal underlying content, thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience.

In addition, these ads can lead to malicious websites or activate scripts that download/install malware. Therefore, even accidental clicks often result in high-risk computer infections. PUPs also monitor users' Internet browsing activity by collecting information that might contain personal details.

The collected data (IP addresses, URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, mouse/keyboard activity, geo-locations, etc.) is mostly shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who generate revenue by misusing private details. This behavior can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	"suspicious incoming network connections" 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 dozens of PUPs that have similar characteristics. By offering various 'useful features', they attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, these programs are designed only to generate revenue for the developers.

Cyber criminals make money by employing the "Pay Per Click" advertising model, promoting rogue websites (mostly fake search engines that generate deceptive search results and display unwanted ads), and selling recorded information to third parties.

How did adware install on my computer?

PUPs are distributed using a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" - stealth installation of third party applications with regular software/apps.

Developers hide bundled apps within the "Custom/Advanced" options of the download/installation processes. Many users skip this section, exposing their systems to risk of various infections. Cyber criminals also proliferate PUPs by employing intrusive advertisements designed to run scripts that download and install malware.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

To prevent this situation, be very cautious when browsing the Internet. Closely analyze the download/installation procedures (especially the "Custom/Advanced" options) and opt-out of all additionally-included apps.

Furthermore, never click intrusive advertisements. If possible, choose direct download, rather than using any third party download tools. The key to computer safety is caution.

The appearance of "Suspicious Incoming Network Connections" pop-up (GIF):

Text presented within the pop-up error:

Firewall detecting ’suspicious’ incoming network connections, we recommend that you click on “Back to Safety”

Text presented within the malicious website:

Your computer has been Locked
Call Now: +1-844-284-8623
Your computer with the IP address - has been infected by the Trojans - Because System Activation KEY has expired & Your information (for example, passwords, messages, and credit cards) have been stolen. Call the Google Help Desk +1-844-284-8623 to protect your files and identify from further damage.

Call Now: +1-844-284-8623
Automatically report details of possible security incidents to Google. Privacy policy

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 Suspicious Incoming Network Connections?
• 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 "suspicious incoming network connections" 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 "suspicious incoming network connections" 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 on "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with "suspicious incoming network connections" 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 "suspicious incoming network connections" 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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