Window's Security Certificate Is Expired POP-UP Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
(updated)
Window's Security Certificate Is Expired removal instructions
What is Window's Security Certificate Is Expired?
"Window's Security Certificate Is Expired" is another fake error message similar to POSSIBLE_VIRUS_DETECTION, Windows Support Alert, ERROR 268D3, and many others. It is delivered by various deceptive websites. Users visit these sites inadvertently - they are redirected by intrusive advertisements (delivered by other rogue websites) or potentially unwanted applications (PUAs). Research shows that potentially unwanted applications infiltrate systems without permission and, as well as causing redirects, deliver intrusive ads and gather data.
This error message states that the operating system is vulnerable to infections and that "unusual" activity has been detected. Therefore, users' personal details (logins/passwords, banking information, etc.) are at risk. Users are encouraged to immediately resolve these so-called 'issues' by calling Windows support (via the "+1-888-411-1165" telephone number) and follow further instructions. Bear in mind, however, that the "Window's Security Certificate Is Expired" error is fake and Windows Operating System developers (Microsoft) are not responsible for it. Cyber criminals generate revenue by claiming to be 'certified technicians' and charging victims for tech support. The "Window's Security Certificate Is Expired" error should be ignored and you should never attempt to call the aforementioned telephone number. The error can be removed simply by closing the visited site, however, note that some rogue sites employ scripts that disable closing of browsing tabs/windows. In these cases, close the browser using Task Manager or simply restart the computer. After rerunning the browser do not restore the previous session, otherwise the malicious sites are reopened.
Potentially unwanted applications deliver coupon, banner, pop-up, and other similar advertisements. To achieve this, developers employ tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, intrusive advertisements often conceal underlying content, thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience. In addition, ads can lead to dubious websites and execute scripts that download and install malware. Therefore, even a single accidental click might result in high-risk computer infections. Potentially unwanted applications are also known to record information relating to browsing activity. Collected data (IP addresses, websites visited, pages viewed, search queries, etc.) usually includes personal details that developers share with third parties. These people generate revenue by misusing private data. Therefore, the presence of data-tracking apps can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. All potentially unwanted applications must be uninstalled immediately.
| Name | "Windows Security Certificate Is Expired" 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. |
There are dozens of fake errors that share similarities with "Window's Security Certificate Is Expired". All claim that the system is damaged (e.g., infected, missing files, fake or similar), however, fake error messages are designed only to extort money from gullible users. Potentially unwanted applications also share many similarities. By offering "useful functionality", they attempt to give the impression of legitimacy and trick users to install, however, rather than enabling the functions promised and giving any real value, they pose a direct threat to your privacy and web browsing safety. The only purpose of these rogue apps is to generate revenue for the developers.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Potentially unwanted applications are typically distributed using the aforementioned intrusive advertisements and a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". Developers hide "bundled" apps within "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes. Furthermore, many users often rush these procedures and skip steps. This behavior often leads to inadvertent installation of potentially unwanted applications. Users 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. Remember that developers invest many resources into intrusive ad design, thus making them seem genuine. In fact, most of these ads lead to untrustworthy sites, such as gambling, adult dating, pornography, and so on. If you encounter them, eliminate all dubious applications and browser plug-ins. Furthermore, carefully analyze each window of the download/installation dialogs using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings. During the process, opt-out of all additionally-included applications and decline offers to download/install them. Software should be downloaded from official sources only, using direct download links. Third party downloaders/installers often include rogue software, and thus such tools should never be used. The main reasons for computer infections are poor knowledge and careless behavior. The key to safety is caution. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Malwarebytes for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Text presented in "Window's Security Certificate Is Expired" pop-up:
The Window's Security Certificate is Expired. This may cause Security breach on the machine. Windows has detected unusual activity on your Computer Network. Your information present on the machine might be at risk. Back up your files immediately to prevent information loss, or contact windows support at +1-888-411-1165
The following information might be at risk:
Financial information
Back account Logins
Credit Card Information
Other Login information
Stored Files on this computer
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 Window's Security Certificate Is Expired?
- 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 applications:
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 application, 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 security certificate is expired" 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 "windows security certificate is expired" 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 security certificate is expired" 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 "windows security certificate is expired" 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 "windows security certificate is expired" virus from your computer, please ask for assistance in our malware support forum.
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Outstanding!
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