POSSIBLE_VIRUS_DETECTION Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is "POSSIBLE_VIRUS_DETECTION"?
"POSSIBLE_VIRUS_DETECTION" is a fake error message displayed by a malicious application. The message is delivered by a fake Internet Explorer updater proliferated using a deceptive site that displays another fake error message. Following infiltration, the updater locks the computer screen and displays the "POSSIBLE_VIRUS_DETECTION" message.
The deceptive website delivers a message stating that users' computer, financial and personal information is at risk, and that the installed version of Internet Explorer browser is outdated. They are then encouraged to immediately download an updater and renew the browser. This is a scam.
Once executed, the updater locks the computer screen and delivers the "POSSIBLE_VIRUS_DETECTION" message. The full screen message looks like a Blue Screen of Death message delivered by the Windows OS when a fatal system error occurs.
The message states that the system is potentially infected/damaged and encourages users to immediately contact 'tech support' via a telephone number ("+1-866-443-3380") provided. Certified technicians then supposedly guide users through the malware removal process.
As mentioned, this is a scam and Microsoft has nothing to do with this - your computer is probably safe and virus free. Cyber criminals attempt to trick victims into calling and paying for so-called 'tech support' that is not required. Ignore this error.
Remove the lockscreen by opening Windows Task Manager (CTRL+ALT+DEL -> Task Manager) and terminating the "warning" process. Then scan the system with a reputable anti-virus/anti-spyware suite and eliminate all detected threats (there is a high probability that the fake Internet Explorer updater has installed other malicious apps onto your computer).
| Name | "POSSIBLE_VIRUS_DETECTION" virus |
| Threat Type | Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files locker |
| Symptoms | Can't open files stored on your computer, previously functional files now have a different extension, for example my.docx.locked. A ransom demanding message is displayed on your desktop. Cyber criminals are asking to pay a ransom (usually in bitcoins) to unlock your files. |
| Distribution methods | Infected email attachments (macros), torrent websites, malicious ads. |
| Damage | All files are encrypted and cannot be opened without paying a ransom. Additional password stealing trojans and malware infections can be installed together with a ransomware infection. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
"POSSIBLE_VIRUS_DETECTION" shares many similarities with dozens of other fake error messages, such as ERROR 268D3, Windows Support Alert, Found 4 Virus, etc.
All claim that the system is damaged (e.g., infected, missing files, expired license, or similar), however, these claims are merely attempts to trick users into paying for unnecessary services or purchasing software that gives no real value.
In addition, the main difference between "POSSIBLE_VIRUS_DETECTION" and the aforementioned errors is that most are delivered by deceptive websites, rather than malicious apps, which would lock computer screen. In any case, these messages should never be trusted - they are designed to extort money from gullible users.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
As mentioned above, "POSSIBLE_VIRUS_DETECTION" is displayed by a fake Internet Explorer updater.
The distributing site essentially states that Internet Explorer browser is not up-to-date and encourages users to immediately update it to prevent potential threats. there are thousands of unsuspecting users who get tricked into downloading such updaters. Therefore, lack of knowledge and careless behavior often leads to this infection.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
To prevent this situation, be very cautious when downloading, installing, and updating software. We strongly recommend that you download your programs from official sources only, using direct download links. Third party downloaders/installers should never be used, since developers monetize them by promoting rogue applications.
Keeping installed applications up-to-date is also extremely important, however, this should be achieved only through implemented functions or tools provided by the official developer. Having a reputable anti-virus/anti-spyware suite installed and running is also paramount, since it can detect and eliminate malicious applications/files before they do any damage.
The main reasons for computer infections are careless behavior and lack of knowledge of these threats. The key to safety is caution. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
"POSSIBLE_VIRUS_DETECTION" error message:
Windows has been stopped to prevent further damage to your PC. Contact tech support now: +1-866-443-3380
A problem has been detected and windows has been stopped to prevent further damage to your computer.
POSSIBLE_VIRUS_DETECTION
If this message appears on your computer might be infected with a virus or spyware. You computer safety is at risk, do not use your computer before
you have contacted technical support to prevent stealing of infection.
Social media and banking logins might be at risk.
Technical information:
STOP: 0x00000D1 (0x000000C, 0x0000002, 0x00000000, 0xF86B5A89)
flux.exe - Adress F86B5A89 base at F86B5000, DateStamp 3dd9919eb
Beginning dump of physical memory
Physical memory dump complete.
Contact tech support for further assistance
Error code: SDG|I
Website promoting the fake updater that delivers the POSSIBLE_VIRUS_DETECTION lockscreen:
Text presented within this site:
Warning
Critical Update Available
Please update your browser immediately
Without this update your computer is at a serious risk of infection.
Your financial and personal information may NOT be secure.
Download this update now by pressing RUN at the bottom of your screen
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:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
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. 7 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 "POSSIBLE_VIRUS_DETECTION"?
- STEP 1. "POSSIBLE_VIRUS_DETECTION" virus removal using safe mode with networking.
- STEP 2. "POSSIBLE_VIRUS_DETECTION" virus removal using System Restore.
"POSSIBLE_VIRUS_DETECTION" virus removal:
Step 1
Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK. During your computer starting process press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 8 users: Go to the Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click on Advanced Startup options, in the opened "General PC Settings" window select Advanced Startup. Click on the "Restart now" button. Your computer will now restart into "Advanced Startup options menu".
Click on the "Troubleshoot" button, then click on "Advanced options" button. In the advanced option screen click on "Startup settings". Click on the "Restart" button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press "5" to boot in Safe Mode with Networking Prompt.
Video showing how to start Windows 8 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 10 users: Click the Windows logo and select the Power icon. In the opened menu click "Restart" while holding "Shift" button on your keyboard. In the "choose an option" window click on the "Troubleshoot", next select "Advanced options". In the advanced options menu select "Startup Settings" and click on the "Restart" button.
In the following window you should click the "F5" button on your keyboard. This will restart your operating system in safe mode with networking.
Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Step 2
Log in to the account infected with the "POSSIBLE_VIRUS_DETECTION" virus. Start your Internet browser and download a legitimate anti-spyware program. Update the anti-spyware software and start a full system scan. Remove all entries detected.
If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking, try performing a System Restore.
Video showing how to remove viruses using "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" and "System Restore":
1. During your computer starting process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears, and then select Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list and press ENTER.
2. When Command Prompt Mode loads, enter the following line: cd restore and press ENTER.
3. Next, type this line: rstrui.exe and press ENTER.
4. In the opened window, click "Next".
5. Select one of the available Restore Points and click "Next" (this will restore your computer system to an earlier time and date, prior to the "POSSIBLE_VIRUS_DETECTION" virus infiltrating your PC).
6. In the opened window, click "Yes".
7. After restoring your computer to a previous date, download and scan your PC with recommended malware removal software to eliminate any remnants of the "POSSIBLE_VIRUS_DETECTION" virus.
If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking (or with Command Prompt), boot your computer using a rescue disk. Some viruses disable Safe Mode, thus making its removal complicated.
For this step, you require access to another computer. After removing the "POSSIBLE_VIRUS_DETECTION" virus from your PC, restart your computer and scan it with legitimate anti-spyware software to remove any possible remnants of this security infection.
Other tools known to remove this scam:
Outstanding!
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