Windows Firewall Warning Alert Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
Windows Firewall Warning Alert removal instructions
What is Windows Firewall Warning Alert?
"Windows Firewall Warning Alert" is a fake error message similar to Error 268D3-XC00037, Microsoft System Security Alert, Your Device Is Under Threat, and many others. This error is displayed by a malicious website. Research shows that, in most cases, users visit this site inadvertently - they are redirected by potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) that infiltrate systems without permission. In addition to causing redirects, PUPs deliver intrusive advertisements, gather sensitive information, and sometimes misuse system resources to run unwanted processes.
The "Windows Firewall Warning Alert" error claims that the system has detected spyware that poses a threat to confidential data (logins, passwords, banking information, etc.) Therefore, users are encouraged to immediately contact "technical engineers" via a telephone number ["+1 (866) 475-7161"] provided. These people then supposedly guide victims through the malware removal process. In fact, the "Windows Firewall Warning Alert" error is fake and a scam. Cyber criminals claim to be certified technicians and offer technical support (which is not needed) for a certain fee. All claims regarding computer infections are false. In addition, criminals often attempt to gain remote access to users' computer. Once connected, they stealthily modify system settings and install malware. They then claim to detect additional issues and offer further help for an extra fee. In any case, never attempt to contact these people - the "Windows Firewall Warning Alert" error should be ignored. It can be removed simply by closing the web browser (preferably, via Task Manager) or rebooting the system (some malicious sites employ scripts that prevent users from closing the browser). Note that after re-running the browser, you should never click "Restore Previous Session" (or similar), otherwise you will return to the malicious website.
As mentioned above, potentially unwanted programs generate various intrusive ads (coupons, banners, pop-ups, etc.) that conceal underlying content, thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience. Furthermore intrusive advertisements might lead to malicious websites and/or even run scripts that download/install malware. Therefore, even a single click can result in high-risk computer infections. Another downside is information tracking. Bear in mind that potentially unwanted programs continually gather IP addresses, URLs visited, search queries, keystrokes, geo-locations, and other information that is likely to contain personal details. Developers sell the information to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue. This behavior can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. Some potentially unwanted programs are also designed to misuse system resources to run unnecessary processes (e.g., to mine cryptocurrencies). In doing so, PUPs significantly diminish overall system performance. You are strongly advised to eliminate all potentially unwanted programs immediately.
There are many fake errors such as "Windows Firewall Warning Alert". All claim that the system is infected, missing files, or damaged in other similar ways, however, these errors are designed only to extort money from unsuspecting users. Potentially unwanted programs also share many similarities. By offering useful features, PUPs attempt to give the impression of legitimacy and trick users to install, however, rather than delivering any real value for regular users, they pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.
How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?
Potentially unwanted programs are proliferated using intrusive advertisements and a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". Therefore, due to the lack of knowledge and careless behavior of many users, PUPs often infiltrate systems without consent. "Bundling" is stealth installation of third party applications with regular software/apps. Developers are aware that many users rush download/installation processes. Therefore, "bundled" apps are hidden within "Custom/Advanced" options (or other sections) of these procedures. By skipping download/installation steps and clicking various dubious links/advertisements, users often expose their systems to risk of various infections.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
The key to computer safety is caution. Therefore, pay close attention when browsing the Internet and, especially when downloading/installing software. Bear in mind that criminals design intrusive ads to look legitimate. Once clicked, however, they redirect to dubious sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.) If you experience these redirects, uninstall all suspicious applications and browser plug-ins. Furthermore, carefully observe each window of the download/installation dialogs and opt-out of all additionally-included programs. Using a legitimate anti-virus/anti-spyware suite is also paramount.
Text presented in "Windows Firewall Warning Alert":
Windows Firewall Warning Alert
Malicious Spyware/Riskware Detected
Error #0x86672ee7
Please call us immediately at +1 (866) 475-7161
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 computer has alerted us that it has been infected with a Spyware and risk ware. The following information is being stolen...
Financial Data
Facebook Logins
Credit Card Details
Email Account Logins
Photos stored on this computer
You must contact us immediately so that our expert engineers can walk you through the removal process over the phone to protect your identity. Please call us within the next 5 minutes to prevent your computer from being disabled or from any information loss.
Operating System Windows
Browser Under Attack
IP Address Under Attack
Location Under Attack
Threat Level Very High
Instant automatic removal of Windows Firewall Warning Alert virus:
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Quick menu:
- What is Windows Firewall Warning 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 extensions from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Removal of potentially unwanted programs:
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.
Windows XP users:
Click Start, choose Settings and click Control Panel. Locate and click Add or Remove Programs.
Windows 10 and Windows 8 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.
Mac 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 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 "windows firewall warning 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 "windows firewall warning 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 on "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with "windows firewall warning 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 add-ons from Microsoft Edge:
Click the three horizontal dots icon 
(at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions, right click your mouse on these entries and click "Uninstall".
Optional method:
Click the three horizontal dots icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), and select Settings.
In the opened tab, click the "Choose what to clear" button.
Click Show more and select everything, and then click the "Clear" button.
- If this didn't help, please follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset 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.
Removal assistance:
If you are experiencing problems while trying to remove "windows firewall warning alert" virus from your computer, please ask for assistance in our malware support forum.
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