Remove apps that open scams like Windows Defender - Security Warning?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
(updated)
"Windows Defender - Security Warning" removal instructions
What is "Windows Defender - Security Warning"?
As a rule, scammers behind technical support scams like this one attempt to trick users into believing that their computers are infected, there are some errors on them, etc., so they would call the provided number and then pay money for unnecessary services, software. In some cases scammers behind such pages attempt to trick visitors into providing a remote access to the computer. In most cases users end up on such pages through other shady pages, by clicking deceptive ads or when some installed PUA opens such pages for them. Either way, users do not visit scam pages like this one intentionally. It is worthwhile to mention that this page is hosted using the Amazon AWS service provided by Amazon. It is common for scammers, cyber criminals to employ this service for malicious purposes.
As stated in the pop-up windows that appear once this technical support website is visited, a Trojan, Spyware the error code #0x898778 has been detected, and the access to o computer has been blocked. Information such as email, Facebook credentials, banking passwords, pictures and documents has been compromised as well. In order to restore the access to the computer, fix the detected error and remove detected threats visitors are encouraged to call the +1-(888)-351-4098 number. As a rule, when scammers behind websites like this one are contacted, they try to sell unsuspecting users some unnecessary software or trick them into paying for some unnecessary services. Also, it is common that they ask users for a permission to access their computers remotely. In such cases they use the provided access to steal sensitive information, infect computers with some malware (e.g., ransomware, Trojan) or for other malicious purposes. Either way, technical support scams must be ignored. As mentioned in the introduction, quite often users end up on such pages because they have some PUA that is designed to promote (open) such pages installed on a browser and/or computer.
It is common that PUAs are designed not only to open untrustworthy pages (like technical support scams), but also to collect various information and/or serve advertisements. They gather details like IP addresses, geolocations, addresses of visited websites, entered search queries, etc. In some cases they are capable of accessing sensitive information as well. The problem with it is that their developers could sell gathered data to third parties (potentially cyber criminals) or misuse it to generate revenue in other ways. Additionally, PUAs can be designed to serve coupons, banners, pop-ups, surveys and/or other types of ads. When clicked, most of those ads open unreliable websites, sometimes they execute scripts designed to cause download and/or installation of some PUA.
| Name | Windows Defender - Security Warning technical support scam |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
| Fake Claim | Website has detected Spyware, Trojan and error |
| Tech Support Scammer Phone Number | +1-(888)-351-4098 |
| Symptoms | Fake error messages, fake system warnings, pop-up errors, hoax computer scan. |
| Distribution methods | Compromised websites, rogue online pop-up ads, potentially unwanted applications. |
| Damage | Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft, possible malware infections. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Malwarebytes. |
"Trojan Spyware Alert", "ERROR # 0x6a4-0xf9fx3999", "Activation Failed! (Error Code 001)" and "Windows Error Code: DLL011150" are examples of other technical support scams. As mentioned in the previous paragraphs, scammers behind such websites attempt to deceive unsuspecting visitors into believing that there is something wrong with the operating system/computer and calling the provided number. Their main goal is to extract some money or allowing them to access computers remotely. If a browser opens websites of this kind often, then it is very likely that it has some PUA installed on it.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
It is common that users download and/or install programs that have "Custom", "Advanced" or other settings in their setups without changing them. Therefore, they allow for included PUAs to be downloaded and/or installed too. As a rule, the aforementioned settings can be used to decline offers to download and/or install PUAs. This distribution method of PUAs is known as "bundling". In some cases unwanted downloads and/or installations can be caused by clicking deceptive, untrustworthy advertisements. Although, only the ones that are designed to execute certain scripts.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Quite often third party downloaders, installers, unofficial pages, Peer-to-Peer networks like torrent clients, eMule, etc., are used as tools to distribute various PUAs. Therefore, files and programs should be downloaded from official websites and via direct download links. Download and/or installation setups that have settings like "Custom", "Advanced", "Manual" often include offers to download and/or install potentially unwanted software. The aforementioned settings should be always checked before completing downloads and installations. Intrusive advertisements that appear on questionable, unofficial websites should not be clicked as well, they can be designed to open various potentially malicious websites or cause unwanted downloads, installations. If there are any suspicious, unwanted, unknown extensions, plug-ins and/or add-ons installed on a browser or programs of this kind installed on the operating system, then they should be removed/uninstalled. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Malwarebytes for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
The appearance of "Windows Defender - Security Warning" pop-up scam (GIF):
Text presented in initial pop-up window:
Windows Firewall Protection
Microsoft
Trojan Spyware Alert - Error Code: #0x898778
Access to this PC has been blocked for security reasons.
Contact Windows Support: +1-(888)-351-4098
Threat Detected - Trojan Spyware
App: Ads.financetrack(1).exe
Run Anyway Back to Safety
Text in the second pop-up window:
Windows Defender - Security Warning
** ACCESS TO THIS PC HAS BEEN BLOCKED FOR SECURITY REASONS **
Your computer has alerted us that it has been infected with a Trojan Spyware. The following data has been compromised.
> Email Credentials
> Banking Passwords
> Facebook Login
> Pictures & Documents
Windows Defender Scan has found potentially unwanted Adware on this device that can steal your passwords, online identity, financial information, personal files, pictures or documents.
You must contact us immediately so that our engineers can walk you through the removal process over the phone.
Call Microsoft Support immediately to report this threat, prevent identity theft and unlock access to this device.
Closing this window will put your personal information at risk and lead to a suspension of your Windows Registration.
Call Microsoft Support: +1-(888)-351-4098 (USA Toll Free)
OK Cancel
Text in the background:
Error: Unknown System Failure!
Contact Support
+1-(888)-351-4098
(USA Toll Free)
LIVE CHAT
Windows Defender Scan
Settings Help
You Are Protected
Protection Updates: Current
Last Scan: Not available | Quick Scan
Licenses Used: 1 of 5 | Install on Another Device
Security Protected Identity Protected Performance Protected Firewall Protected
SUBSCRIPTION STATUS: 2 Days Remaining
Another variant of "Windows Defender - Security Warning" pop-up scam:
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 "Windows Defender - Security Warning"?
- STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
- STEP 6. Remove adware from Internet Explorer.
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 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 defender - security warning technical support scam, 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 plugins 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 defender - security warning technical support scam 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 defender - security warning technical support scam, 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.
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 defender - security warning technical support scam, 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.
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 defender - security warning technical support scam from your computer, please ask for assistance in our malware support forum.
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Outstanding!
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