WARNING WITHOUT ANTIVIRUS, YOUR SYSTEM IS AT HIGH RISK POP-UP Scam (Mac)

What is WARNING WITHOUT ANTIVIRUS, YOUR SYSTEM IS AT HIGH RISK?

Similar to Website You Visited Infected Your Mac With A Virus, Apologies For Interruption!, You Mac May Be Infected By A Virus!, and many others, "WARNING WITHOUT ANTIVIRUS, YOUR SYSTEM IS AT HIGH RISK" is a fake error message delivered by various deceptive websites.

Research shows that users typically visit these sites without consent, since they are redirected by potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) and intrusive advertisements (displayed on other rogue sites).

Furthermore, potentially unwanted applications usually infiltrate systems without permission and, as well as causing redirects, gather sensitive information and deliver intrusive advertisements.

The deceptive website presents users with a pop-up stating that the computer is not protected against viruses, since there is no anti-virus/anti-spyware suite installed. The website then encourages users to perform a system scan. Once the scan is over, the website displays a message stating that the system is exposed to threats and encourages users to download the software.

Be aware that this is a scam. Cyber criminals use these deceptive messages to promote potentially unwanted applications. At time of research, "WARNING WITHOUT ANTIVIRUS, YOUR SYSTEM IS AT HIGH RISK" was used to promote the Mac Mechanic potentially unwanted application (you can read more about this PUA in this article).

Note, however, that the situation may change - developers could proliferate applications that are malicious. Therefore, we strongly advise you to ignore "WARNING WITHOUT ANTIVIRUS, YOUR SYSTEM IS AT HIGH RISK" and not to download promoted software. You can remove it simply by closing the deceptive website.

Note that some rogue sites employ scripts designed to prevent users from closing browsing tabs/window. In these cases, terminate the browser using Activity Monitor or simply restart the system.

Note that you should not restore closed sessions the next time you run the browser, since you will end up revisiting the malicious sites. If you are concerned with your Mac's safety, install a reputable anti-virus suite, such as Combo Cleaner.

Potentially unwanted applications record user-system information such as keystrokes, websites visited, pages viewed, search queries, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, and so on. This information is shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse private information to generate revenue.

Therefore, the presence of data-tracking apps can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. Furthermore, PUAs deliver intrusive advertisements, such as coupons, banners, pop-ups, and similar. They conceal underlying content, thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience.

Furthermore, these ads often redirect to malicious websites or even run scripts that download and install potentially unwanted applications (or even high-risk malware). Therefore, clicking them can lead to system infections. Potentially unwanted applications must be eliminated immediately.

Threat Summary:

Name	"WARNING WITHOUT ANTIVIRUS, YOUR SYSTEM IS AT HIGH RISK" virus
Threat Type	Mac malware, Mac virus
Symptoms	Your Mac became slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you get redirected to shady websites.
Distribution methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads.
Damage	Internet browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to shady websites, loss of private information.
Malware Removal (Mac)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven 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 fake errors that share similarities with "WARNING WITHOUT ANTIVIRUS, YOUR SYSTEM IS AT HIGH RISK". All state that the system is damaged (e.g., infected, missing files, or similar), however, unlike "WARNING WITHOUT ANTIVIRUS, YOUR SYSTEM IS AT HIGH RISK", most do not promote software.

Fake errors usually encourage users to contact fake 'tech support' and pay for services that are not needed. PUAs are generally very similar.

By offering "useful features", these rogue apps attempt to give the impression of legitimacy and trick users to install, however, their only purpose is to generate revenue for the developers, whilst regular users receive no real value. Rather than enabling the functions promised, potentially unwanted applications pose a direct threat to your privacy and web browsing safety.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

Some potentially unwanted apps have official download/installation websites, however, this is a small percentage - most infiltrate systems without users' permission, since developers proliferate them using intrusive advertising and "bundling" methods. "Bundling" is essentially stealth installation of potentially unwanted apps with regular software.

Developers hide "bundled" apps within "Custom/Advanced" options (or other sections) of the download/installation procedures. Research shows that many users rush download/installation 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 this situation, be very cautious when downloading and installing software, and browsing the Internet. Carefully analyze each window of the download/installation dialogs and opt-out additionally-included applications. Third party downloaders/installers should never be used, since developers often monetize them by "bundling" software.

Apps should be downloaded from official sources only, using direct download links. In addition, remember that intrusive ads may seem legitimate, but most lead to dubious websites (gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.), since they are delivered by potentially unwanted applications.

If you encounter these ads, eliminate all dubious programs and browser plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.

Text presented in "WARNING WITHOUT ANTIVIRUS, YOUR SYSTEM IS AT HIGH RISK" pop-up:

WARNING
WITOUT ANTIVIRUS, YOUR SYSTEM IS AT HIGH RISK.
We recommend downloading an antivirus program.
Download it immediately.

Page displayed after closing the "WARNING WITHOUT ANTIVIRUS, YOUR SYSTEM IS AT HIGH RISK" pop-up:

Text presented in this page:

You Mac may be infected by a virus!August 23, 2018 10:32 AM
You are currently not using an antivirus program and therefore your personal and banking information may be exposed to considerable risk. We advise you to download an antivirus program and perform a scan immediately!
Contrary to popular belief, all operating systems are exposed to risk and yours is especially vulnerable and could be easily hacked.
Eliminate the risk immediately
We recommend downloading antivirus software and performing a full-system scan of your device immediately.
Scan now

Page displayed after performing the fake system scan:

Text presented in this page:

Not having antivirus software leaves you more vulnerable to known threats
We recommend that you install antivirus software immediately.
LIKELY RISKS Viruses, Malware, Keylogger

Appearance of "WARNING WITHOUT ANTIVIRUS, YOUR SYSTEM IS AT HIGH RISK" scam (GIF):

Instant automatic Mac 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 Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac 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. Limited seven 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 "WARNING WITHOUT ANTIVIRUS, YOUR SYSTEM IS AT HIGH RISK" virus?
• How to identify a pop-up scam?
• How do pop-up scams work?
• How to remove fake pop-ups?
• How to prevent fake pop-ups?
• What to do if you fell for a pop-up scam?

How to identify a pop-up scam?

Pop-up windows with various fake messages are a common type of lures cybercriminals use. They collect sensitive personal data, trick Internet users into calling fake tech support numbers, subscribe to useless online services, invest in shady cryptocurrency schemes, etc.

While in the majority of cases these pop-ups don't infect users' devices with malware, they can cause direct monetary loss or could result in identity theft.

Cybercriminals strive to create their rogue pop-up windows to look trustworthy, however, scams typically have the following characteristics:

• Spelling mistakes and non-professional images - Closely inspect the information displayed in a pop-up. Spelling mistakes and unprofessional images could be a sign of a scam.
• Sense of urgency - Countdown timer with a couple of minutes on it, asking you to enter your personal information or subscribe to some online service.
• Statements that you won something - If you haven't participated in a lottery, online competition, etc., and you see a pop-up window stating that you won.
• Computer or mobile device scan - A pop-up window that scans your device and informs of detected issues - is undoubtedly a scam; webpages cannot perform such actions.
• Exclusivity - Pop-up windows stating that only you are given secret access to a financial scheme that can quickly make you rich.

Example of a pop-up scam:

How do pop-up scams work?

Cybercriminals and deceptive marketers usually use various advertising networks, search engine poisoning techniques, and shady websites to generate traffic to their pop-ups. Users land on their online lures after clicking on fake download buttons, using a torrent website, or simply clicking on an Internet search engine result.

Based on users' location and device information, they are presented with a scam pop-up. Lures presented in such pop-ups range from get-rich-quick schemes to fake virus scans.

How to remove fake pop-ups?

In most cases, pop-up scams do not infect users' devices with malware. If you encountered a scam pop-up, simply closing it should be enough. In some cases scam, pop-ups may be hard to close; in such cases - close your Internet browser and restart it.

In extremely rare cases, you might need to reset your Internet browser. For this, use our instructions explaining how to reset Internet browser settings.

How to prevent fake pop-ups?

To prevent seeing pop-up scams, you should visit only reputable websites. Torrent, Crack, free online movie streaming, YouTube video download, and other websites of similar reputation commonly redirect Internet users to pop-up scams.

To minimize the risk of encountering pop-up scams, you should keep your Internet browsers up-to-date and use reputable anti-malware application. For this purpose, we recommend Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS.

What to do if you fell for a pop-up scam?

This depends on the type of scam that you fell for. Most commonly, pop-up scams try to trick users into sending money, giving away personal information, or giving access to one's device.

• If you sent money to scammers: You should contact your financial institution and explain that you were scammed. If informed promptly, there's a chance to get your money back.
• If you gave away your personal information: You should change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication in all online services that you use. Visit Federal Trade Commission to report identity theft and get personalized recovery steps.
• If you let scammers connect to your device: You should scan your computer with reputable anti-malware (we recommend Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS) - cyber criminals could have planted trojans, keyloggers, and other malware, don't use your computer until removing possible threats.
• Help other Internet users: report Internet scams to Federal Trade Commission.

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