Attention Your Computer Has Been Infected POP-UP Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
(updated)
Attention Your Computer Has Been Infected removal instructions
What is Attention Your Computer Has Been Infected?
Similar to Your Computer Might Be Infected By Trojans, Computer Detected To Be Corrupted, Spyware Detected On Your Computer!, and many others, "Attention Your Computer Has Been Infected" is a fake error message displayed by deceptive websites. In most cases, users visit these sites inadvertently - they are redirected by intrusive advertisements (delivered by other rogue sites) or potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) that infiltrate systems without permission. As well as causing redirects, potentially unwanted programs deliver intrusive advertisements and record user-system information.
The error message essentially states that system is infected and personal data (banking information, logins/passwords, history, files, etc.) is at risk. The malware must be eliminated immediately and users are encouraged to call fake 'tech support' via a telephone number ["1-(855) 399-1933"] provided. Users are then supposedly guided through the malware removal process. This is a scam - the "Attention Your Computer Has Been Infected" error is fake. Cyber criminals attempt to scare and trick unsuspecting users into calling and paying for tech support that is not required - your computer is probably optimized and virus-free. Ignore "Attention Your Computer Has Been Infected" and never attempt to call the aforementioned telephone number. This error can be removed simply by closing the web browser. Some rogue sites employ scripts that prevent users from closing browsing tabs/windows. In these cases, terminate the browser via Task Manager or restart the system. Do not restore the previous session, otherwise the next time you open the browser, you will return to the malicious site/s.
Potentially unwanted programs deliver various intrusive advertisements, such as coupons, banners, pop-ups, and so on. These are delivered using various tools (e.g., "virtual layers") that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, intrusive ads often conceal underlying content, significantly diminishing the web browsing experience. These ads can redirect to infectious websites or execute scripts that stealthily download/install malware. Therefore, even a single click might result in high-risk computer infections. Potentially unwanted programs are also notorious for data tracking. Research shows that many PUPs record information that includes personal details. IP addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, and other collected data is later shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals). These people misuse private information to generate revenue. Therefore, the presence of data-tracking apps can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. You are advised to uninstall all PUPs immediately.
| Name | "Attention Your computer has been infected" 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. |
As mentioned above, "Attention Your Computer Has Been Infected" shares many similarities with dozens of other fake errors. All claim that system is damaged , however, these claims are merely attempts to extort money from gullible users. PUPs are also known to share many similarities. By offering "useful features", they attempt to give the impression of legitimacy. Bear in mind, however, that these programs are designed only to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than giving any real value for regular users, they cause unwanted redirects, gather sensitive information, and deliver intrusive ads, thereby posing a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.
How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?
Some PUPs are known to have official download/installation websites, however, due to the lack of knowledge and careless behavior of many users, these programs typically infiltrate systems without consent. Be aware that developers promote PUPs using intrusive advertising and "bundling" methods. "Bundling" is essentially stealth installation of PUPs together with regular software. Developers hide "bundled" PUPs within various sections (usually "Custom/Advanced" settings) of the download/installation processes. Furthermore, many users are likely to click 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?
To prevent this situation, be very cautious when browsing the Internet and downloading/installing software. Developers invest many resources into intrusive ad design, thereby making them seem legitimate. When clicked, however, most lead to dubious websites (gambling, adult dating, pornography, and similar). If you continually encounter these ads, check the list of installed apps/browser plug-ins and remove any suspicious entries. In addition, carefully analyze each window of the download/installation dialogs and opt-out of all additionally-included programs. Programs must be downloaded from official sources only, using direct download links. Third party downloaders/installers often include rogue apps (developers monetize them via "bundling" method). Therefore, do not use these tools. The key to computer safety is caution. If your computer is already infected with PUPs, we recommend running a scan with Malwarebytes for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Text presented in "Attention Your Computer Has Been Infected" pop-up:
Attention
Your computer has been infected.
The following data may be compromised:
1. Passwords.
2. Browser history.
3. Sensitive information (Credit Cards).
4. Files on the hard disk.
Please call us within 5 minutes to prevent your computer from being disabled.
Call immediately at: 1-(855) 399-1933 (Free Call).
Do not ignore this critical alert. If you close this page, your computer access will be disabled to prevent further damage to our network.
Contact us immediately so our engineers can guide you through the phone removal process. Please call us within 5 minutes to prevent your computer from being disabled.
The appearance of "Attention Your Computer Has Been Infected" pop-up (GIF):
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:
▼ DOWNLOAD Malwarebytes
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Quick menu:
- What is Attention Your Computer Has Been Infected?
- 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 "attention your computer has been infected" 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 "attention your computer has been infected" 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 "attention your computer has been infected" 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 "attention your computer has been infected" 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 "attention your computer has been infected" virus from your computer, please ask for assistance in our malware support forum.
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Outstanding!
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