CRITICAL ALERT FROM WINDOWS Scam

What is CRITICAL ALERT FROM WINDOWS?

"CRITICAL ALERT FROM WINDOWS" is a fake pop-up error message claiming that the computer has been infected. This pop-up is displayed by a malicious website, which users often visit inadvertently - they are redirected to it by various potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).

Research shows that these applications infiltrate systems without users' consent (bundling). As well as causing unwanted redirects, PUPs also track Internet browsing activity and continually deliver intrusive online advertisements.

As mentioned above, the "CRITICAL ALERT FROM WINDOWS" error message states that the system has been infected and that the malware must be eliminated immediately. Users are encouraged to contact certified technicians via telephone numbers ("+1-844-350-3335" or "+1-844-363-5003") provided. They then supposedly receive further removal instructions.

Be aware, however, that there is no malware. In fact, "CRITICAL ALERT FROM WINDOWS" is simply a scam. Cyber criminals attempt generate revenue by tricking users into calling and paying for services that are not required. Therefore, you should never attempt to contact these people. You can remove this error by simply closing the browser.

Be aware that web browsing activity is monitored, since potentially unwanted programs continually gather various information (for example, IP addresses, search queries, URLs visited, etc.) that might be personally identifiable. The data is shared with third parties (cyber criminals) who generate revenue by misusing personal details.

This behavior can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. In addition, potentially unwanted programs deliver pop-up, coupon, banner, and other intrusive online advertisements. To achieve this, developers employ a 'virtual layer' - a tool that enables placement of third party graphical content on any site.

Therefore, the displayed ads often conceal underlying content of visited websites, significantly diminishing the browsing experience. In addition, some redirect to malicious websites - clicking them is risky and can result in further computer infections. You are strongly advised to uninstall all potentially unwanted programs immediately.

Threat Summary:

Name	CRITICAL ALERT FROM WINDOWS virus
Threat Type	Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Symptoms	Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Decreased Internet browsing speed.
Distribution methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers.
Damage	Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections.
Malware Removal (Windows)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner 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.

There are dozens of fake error messages virtually identical to "CRITICAL ALERT FROM WINDOWS". Examples include Critical Error, Microsoft Alert, Windows Security Alert, and many others. 

Note that all of these pop-ups claim that the computer is infected or damaged in certain ways, however, as with "CRITICAL ALERT TO WINDOWS", these errors are also designed simply to scare victims and trick them into calling. Their only purpose is to generate revenue for the developers.

Similarly, potentially unwanted programs are designed only to make money for developers. By offering various 'useful features', PUPs attempt to give the impression of being legitimate and useful. In fact, these apps cause unwanted redirects, collect personal information, and deliver intrusive online advertisements. They are useless for regular users.

How did adware install on my computer?

Potentially unwanted programs are distributed using a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" (stealth installation of third party applications with regular software).

Research shows that many users rush the download/installation processes and skip most steps. Aware of this, developers hide bundled programs within the "Custom/Advanced" settings of these processes. Skipping this section often leads to inadvertent installation of rogue applications.

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 closely analyze each step. Secondly, decline offers to download/install additional applications and cancel those already included. The key to computer safety is caution.

Text presented within "CRITICAL ALERT FROM WINDOWS" pop-up:

CRITICAL ALERT FROM WINDOWS : YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN BLOCKED
Windows has detected some suspicious activity from your IP address. Some virus and spyware have caused a security breach at your network location.
Please call us immediately at the toll-free number listed so that our engineers can walk you through the removal process over the phone. Call us immediately on our Toll Free +1-844-350-3335 OR +1-844-363-5003 for Technical Assistance.
***********************************
Toll Free +1-844-350-3335 OR +1-844-363-5003
***********************************
Please do not use any internet based services to avoid any identity thefts.
PLEASE DO NOT SHUT DOWN OR RESTART YOUR COMPUTER. DOING THAT LEAD TO DATA LOSS AND FAILURE OF OPERATING SYSTEM HENCE NON BOOTABLE SITUATION RESULTING COMPLETE DATA LOSS.

Another variant of "CRITICAL ALERT FROM WINDOWS" pop-up scam:

Text presented within:

CRITICAL ALERT FROM WINDOWS

This computer is BLOCKED

Do not close this window and restart your computer
Your computer's registration key is Blocked.
Why we blocked your computer?
The window's registration key is illegal.
This window is using pirated software.
This window is sending virus over the internet.
This window is hacked or used from undefined location.
We blocked this computer for your security.
Contact Windows Helpline to reactivate your computer.
Windows Help Tollfree:
+1-888-441-0812

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 CRITICAL ALERT FROM WINDOWS?
• 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 critical alert from windows 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 critical alert from windows 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 critical alert from windows 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 critical alert from windows 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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