Zeus Virus Detected In Your Computer POP-UP Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
(updated)
Zeus Virus Detected In Your Computer removal instructions
What is Zeus Virus Detected In Your Computer?
"Zeus Virus Detected In Your Computer" is a fake error message delivered by various malicious sites. Research shows that users typically visit these sites inadvertently - they are redirected by potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) or intrusive ads displayed on other malicious sites. In most cases, PUPs infiltrate systems without permission, generate intrusive ads, collect sensitive data, and (in some cases) run unwanted background processes.
Screenshot of "Zeus Virus Detected In Your Computer" Internet Explorer variant:
Depending on the web browser used (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox), the error text differs slightly. In any case, it essentially states that Windows Defender has detected a 'Zeus' virus, which steals personal data (logins/passwords, banking information, etc.) Users are advised to eliminate the malware immediately. To achieve this, they are encouraged to contact the 'Microsoft Technical Department' via a toll-free telephone number ("8888-219-2558") provided. Users are then supposedly provided with malware removal instructions. Be aware, however, that this is a scam. The "Zeus Virus Detected In Your Computer" error is fake and certainly has nothing to do with Microsoft. In fact, cyber criminals generate revenue by exploiting users' trust. All claims regarding the infection are attempts to scare and trick unsuspecting users into calling the telephone number and paying for tech support that is not required - your computer is likely to be completely virus-free. Therefore, ignore "Zeus Virus Detected In Your Computer" and never attempt to call the aforementioned telephone number. This error can be removed simply by closing the web browser. Note that in some cases rogue sites employ scripts designed to prevent users from closing browsing tabs/windows. In these cases, terminate the browser via Task Manager or simply reboot the system. After re-running, do not restore the previous session, otherwise you will re-open the malicious sites.
As mentioned above, potentially unwanted programs deliver various intrusive advertisements (coupons, banners, pop-ups and similar). These are delivered using tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, intrusive ads often conceal underlying content, thereby diminishing the browsing experience. Furthermore, intrusive ads can lead to malicious sites and execute scripts designed to download and install malware. Therefore, even a single accidental click can result in high-risk computer infections. Another important issue is information tracking. Research shows that virtually all PUPs gather information (IP addresses, Internet Service Providers [ISPs], geo-locations, websites visited, pages viewed, search queries, keystrokes, etc.) that includes personal details. Furthermore, the data is later shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse private information to generate revenue. Therefore, the presence of data-tracking app(s) can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. Additionally, potentially unwanted programs often mine cryptocurrencies or perform other unwanted tasks in the background without consent. By misusing resources, PUPs significantly reduce overall system performance. For these reasons, uninstall all PUPs immediately.
| Name | "Zeus Virus Detected In Your Computer" virus |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
| Symptoms | Unauthorized online purchases, changed online account passwords, identity theft, illegal access of one's computer. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive emails, rogue online pop-up ads, search engine poisoning techniques, misspelled domains. |
| Damage | Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Malwarebytes. |
"Zeus Virus Detected In Your Computer" shares many similarities with Call Microsoft Support, Google Security Warning, Windows Detected ZEUS Virus, and dozens of other fake error messages. All claim that the system is damaged (e.g., infected, missing files, and so on), however, these fake errors are designed only to extort money from unsuspecting users. Potentially unwanted programs share many similarities. By offering a wide range of "useful features", they attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, after successfully tricking users to install, they provide none of the functions promised. PUPs deliver intrusive advertisements, gather sensitive data, and reduce system performance.
How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?
In some cases, potentially unwanted programs have official download/promotion websites, however, due to the lack of knowledge and careless behavior of many users, PUPs infiltrate systems without permission. Developers proliferate PUPs using "bundling" and intrusive advertising methods. "Bundling" is essentially stealth installation of third party software with regular apps. Developers do not disclose "bundled" PUP installations properly - they hide this information within sections (usually "Advanced" or "Custom" settings) of the download/installation processes. Furthermore, many users click various "tempting" (yet suspicious) advertisements and skip download/installation steps. In doing so, they expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
The main reasons for computer infections are poor knowledge and careless behavior. The key to safety is caution. Therefore, pay close attention when browsing the Internet and, especially when downloading/installing software. Intrusive advertisements typically seem legitimate. Once clicked, however, they redirect to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and other dubious sites. If you encounter these advertisements, immediately eliminate all dubious applications and browser plug-ins. Furthermore, carefully analyze each step of the download/installation processes and opt-out of all additionally-included programs. You are also advised to avoid using third party downloaders/installers, since these are commonly monetized by promoting PUPs. Software should be downloaded from official sources only, using direct download links.
Text presented in "Zeus Virus Detected In Your Computer" Internet Explorer variant:
Windows Defender Alert: Zeus Virus Detected In Your Computer!!!
RDN/YahLover.worm!055BCCAC9FEC Infection
Windows Defender Alert: Zeus Virus Detected In Your Computer!! Please Do Not Shut Down or Reset Your Computer.
The following data will be compromised if you continue:
1. Passwords
2. Browser History
3. Credit Card Information
4. Local Hard Disk Files.
The virus is well known for complete identity and credit card theft. Further action through the computer or any computer on the network will reveal private information and involve serious risks.
Call Microsoft Technical Department: 8888-219-2558
The appearance of "Zeus Virus Detected In Your Computer" pop-up in Internet Explorer (GIF):
Screenshot of "Zeus Virus Detected In Your Computer" Google Chrome variant:
Text presented in "Zeus Virus Detected In Your Computer" Google Chrome variant:
Windows Warning Alert
Malicious Spyware/Riskware Detected
Error # 0x80072ee7
Please call us immediately at: 8888-219-2558
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 alerted us that it has been infected with a Spyware and risk ware. 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.
Toll Free: 8888-219-2558
Screenshot of "Zeus Virus Detected In Your Computer" Mozilla Firefox variant:
Text presented in "Zeus Virus Detected In Your Computer" Mozilla Firefox variant:
Security Update Error 0xB1983959 Help Desk: 8888-291-2558 (TOLL-FREE)
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Malwarebytes 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:
- What is Zeus Virus Detected In Your Computer?
- 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 "zeus virus detected in your computer" 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 "zeus virus detected in your computer" 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 "zeus virus detected in your computer" 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 "zeus virus detected in your computer" 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.
Removal assistance:
If you are experiencing problems while trying to remove "zeus virus detected in your computer" virus from your computer, please ask for assistance in our malware support forum.
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Outstanding!
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