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Exploit.SWF.bd Virus Scam

Also Known As: "Exploit.SWF.bd Virus" virus
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Exploit.SWF.bd Virus?

"Exploit.SWF.bd Virus" is a fake error displayed by malicious website. Research shows that users often visit this website inadvertently - they are redirected by various potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). These programs are designed to misuse system resources, record user-system information, and generate various 'malvertising' ads (banners, pop-ups, coupons, etc.)

Exploit.SWF.bd Virus adware

This error message states that Windows Firewall has detected an infection and suspicious connection attempting to access private information (logins/passwords, banking details, etc.) and track Internet browsing activity. The malware must be eliminated immediately.

Therefore, users are encouraged to contact "Microsoft Windows Help Desk" via a toll-free telephone number ("+1-(888)-223-4021") provided. 'Certified technicians' then supposedly help to resolve this issue. In fact, "Exploit.SWF.bd Virus" is fake. It is merely a scam and has nothing to do with Microsoft.

Cyber criminals claim to be certified technicians and generate revenue by monetizing services that are not required. The malware does not exist. Furthermore, cyber criminals usually demand remote access to your computer. Once connected, they stealthily modify system settings and/or install malware.

Cyber criminals then claim to detect more errors and offer their help for an additional fee. For these reasons, never attempt to contact these people. "Exploit.SWF.bd Virus" can be removed simply by closing the web browser. Some PUPs (and malicious websites) misuse system resources to run unwanted processes in the background.

In doing so, these PUPs/websites significantly diminish overall computer performance. Another downside is data tracking. Most PUPs record various data that includes private details. Developers sell this information to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals). As mentioned above, PUPs generate various malicious ads.

These conceal underlying content (thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience) and might also lead to malicious websites or even execute scripts that download and install malware. Therefore, even accidental clicks can result in high-risk computer infections.

These actions are performed simply to generate revenue. Therefore, PUPs pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety. They should be uninstalled immediately.

Threat Summary:
Name "Exploit.SWF.bd 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)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.
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The Internet is full of malicious websites that display fake errors similar to "Exploit.SWF.bd Virus". The list of examples includes Your Computer Is In Blocked State, Microsoft has Detected A Malicious Virus, Internet Security Alert, and many others. 

As with "Exploit.SWF.bd Virus", these errors also claim that the system is damaged , however, these claims are merely attempts to extort money from unsuspecting users. Potentially unwanted programs share many similarities. Most offer various "useful features", however, only few provide any real value.

They are designed only to generate revenue for the developers. Most  of these apps cause redirects, misuse system resources, gather data, and deliver ads.

How did adware install on my computer?

Research shows that some potentially unwanted programs have official download/promotion websites, however, most are distributed using malicious ads, and a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". Therefore, users often install PUPs inadvertently without their consent, or PUPs simply infiltrate systems without permission.

Bundling is stealth installation of third party applications together with regular software/apps. Developers conceal bundled apps within the "Custom/Advanced" settings, or other sections of the download/installation processes.

Many users rush these processes, skip steps, and click various advertisements. In doing so, they expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

To prevent system infiltration by PUPs, be very cautious when downloading/installing software and browsing the Internet in general. Select the "Custom/Advanced" settings and carefully analyze each window of the download/installation dialogs to opt-out of all additionally-included programs.

Note also that third party download/installation tools often bundle unwanted programs - these should not be used. Furthermore, malicious ads usually appear legitimate, however, most lead to survey, gambling, adult dating, pornography, and other dubious websites. If you encounter such ads, immediately eliminate all suspicious programs/browser extensions.

Text presented within "Exploit.SWF.bd Virus" error:

Windows Firewall Security Damaged By Exploit.SWF.bd Virus
A suspicious Connection Was Trying To Access Your logins, Banking Details & Tracking Your Internet Activity.
Windows Security Center & Firewall Services Are Disabled. Error Code 0x8024402c
Your TCP Connection Was Blocked by Your Firewall. Your Account May be Suspended Until You Take an Action.
Your Personal Information May Have Leaked. IMMEDIATE RESPONSE REQUIRED.
Your Hard Disk Has Exploit.SWF.bd Virus! Please Do Not Try To Fix Manually. It May Crash Your Data.
Please Visit Your Nearest Windows Service Centre OR Call Microsoft Windows Help Desk Now.
CUSTOMER SERVICE: +1-(888)223-4021 (TOLL FREE)
Your Browser have been hijacker or hacked.

WARNING!
Your Hard drive will be DELETED if you close this page. You have a ZEUS virus! Please call Support Now! Call Toll-Free: +1-(888)-223-4021 To Stop This Process.

Windows Detected Potential Threat On Your Computer.

Windows Security Essentials wasn’t able to block virus. Windows detected potential threats that might compromise your privacy or damage your computer. Error Code: 0x8024402c, windows couldn’t install the definition updates. More Information & Support Please Contact HELP DESK: +1-888-223-4021

The appearance of "Exploit.SWF.bd Virus" pop-up (GIF):

Exploit.SWF.bd Virus scam gif

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.

Exploit.SWF.bd 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 Exploit.SWF.bd 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 Exploit.SWF.bd Virus ads from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the "exploit.swf.bd 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 Exploit.SWF.bd Virus  ads from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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.

Removing Exploit.SWF.bd Virus ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the "exploit.swf.bd 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 Exploit.SWF.bd 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 Exploit.SWF.bd Virus ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with "exploit.swf.bd 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 "exploit.swf.bd 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
Exploit.SWF.bd Virus virus QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of "Exploit.SWF.bd Virus" virus on your mobile device.
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