Your System Might Be Infected Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Your System Might Be Infected?
"Your System Might Be Infected" is a fake error pop-up displayed by a rogue website to which users are redirected by potentially unwanted adware-type programs (PUPs). Research shows that these apps usually infiltrate systems during installation of free applications (bundling method).
As well as causing unwanted redirects, adware-type apps generate intrusive online advertisements and continually monitor Internet browsing activity by gathering various user/system information.
This fake error states that the computer is infected with adware and that banking information has been stolen. It is also stated that closing the pop-up will result in a deletion of the contents of the hard drive. User are encouraged to contact technical support via a telephone number ("866-407-1560") provided. They will then supposedly receive help in removing the malware.
Be aware, however, that this error is a scam. There is no infection - this is a simple attempt to scare and trick victims into calling and paying for technical support services that are not needed. Therefore, ignore this pop-up and never attempt to contact these people. Furthermore, adware-type applications employ a 'virtual layer' to generate pop-up, coupon, banner, and other ads.
The virtual layer enables placement of third party graphical content on any site and, therefore, the ads often conceal underlying content, significantly diminishing the Internet browsing experience. In addition, some redirect to malicious websites - even accidental clicks can result in high-risk adware or malware infections.
In addition, adware continually records information relating to users' Internet browsing activity. This collected data (IP addresses, search queries, website URLs visited, geo-locations, etc.) might contain personal details that are shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse private information to generate revenue.
Therefore, the presence of information-tracking apps on your system might result in serious privacy issues or even identity theft. Uninstall all potentially unwanted programs immediately.
"Your System Might Be Infected" shares many similarities with dozens of other fake errors such as Call Windows Help Desk Immediately, Microsoft Alert, Windows Security Alert, and Call Technical Support Immediately. All claim that the system is damaged in certain ways, however, these errors are fake.
As mentioned above, the only purpose of these error messages is to trick users into paying for services that are not actually required. Adware-type applications have an identical purpose - to generate revenue for the developers. Most offer various 'useful functions', however, none provide any significant value for regular users.
Adware-type apps collect personal information (which is later sold to third parties) and deliver intrusive online advertisements (via the "Pay Per Click" advertising model).
Second pop-up from this scam (uses a phone number of 1-844-260-7865):
How did adware install on my computer?
Adware is usually distributed using a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" - stealth installation of PUPs with regular software. All bundled apps are hidden within the "Custom/Advanced" settings of the download or installation processes. Rushing and skipping this section exposes systems to risk of various infections and compromises users' privacy.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Installation of potentially unwanted programs can be prevented by taking two simple steps. Firstly, never rush when downloading and installing software - select the "Custom/Advanced" settings and carefully analyze each step. Secondly, cancel all additionally-included programs and decline offers to download/install them.
Text presented within "Your System Might Be Infected" error pop-up:
WARNING: Your System Might Be Infected! Call Toll-Free: 866-407-1560 for a free DIAGNOSIS
Your system might be infected with the adware_pop.exe computer virus. As such, your Internet banking information could have been stolen. Access to the Internet has been blocked to protect your information until you fix this issue. You are strongly advised to call the certified Tech Support office at 866-407-1560 now for IMMEDIATE assistance. Your Hard drive will be DELETED of you close this page. You have virus infection! Please call Microsoft Certified Support Now!
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Quick menu:
- What is Your System Might Be 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 extension from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Adware removal:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.
Windows 10 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.
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.
macOS (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 adware 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 your system might be 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 "Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, select these entries and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the your system might be 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 "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with your system might be 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 your system might be 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.
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