Microsoft Has Detected A Porn Virus Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Microsoft Has Detected A Porn Virus?
"Microsoft Has Detected A Porn Virus" is a deceptive pop-up error message claiming that the system has been infected. This error is displayed by a malicious website, which users often visit inadvertently - they are automatically redirected to it by various potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).
These applications usually infiltrate systems without users' consent ("bundling" method). As well as causing unwanted redirects, PUPs deliver intrusive online advertisements and continually track Internet browsing activity.
"Microsoft Has Detected A Porn Virus" states that a computer infection has been detected and that private information (logins/passwords, credit card details, etc.) is at risk. According to the pop-up, the malware must be removed immediately by contacting technical support via a toll-free telephone number ("+1-844-786-8921").
Certified technicians then (supposedly) safely remove the malware. In fact, the "Microsoft Has Detected A Porn Virus" error is fake and should not be trusted. By falsely stating that the system is infected, cyber criminals attempt to trick users into calling and paying for services that are not required. Therefore, never attempt to contact these people.
You can remove this error by simply closing the web browser. Be aware that PUPs employ a "virtual layer" to generate pop-up, coupon, banner, and other similar advertisements. The virtual layer enables placement of third party graphical content on any site.
Therefore, displayed ads often conceal underlying content, thereby significantly diminishing the Internet browsing experience. In addition, they often redirect to malicious websites and even accidental clicks can result in high-risk adware or malware infections. Another downside is information tracking.
Research shows that potentially unwanted programs gather Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, geo-locations, mouse/keyboard activity, URLs visited, pages viewed, queries entered into search engines, and other similar information relating to users' Internet browsing activity.
This collected data might contain personal details that developers of PUPs share with third parties. There is a high probability that private details are misused to generate revenue. This behavior can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. PUPs should be uninstalled immediately from your system.
Name | "Microsoft Has Detected A Porn Virus" 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. |
The Internet is full of websites displaying fake errors similar to "Microsoft Has Detected A Porn Virus". Examples include System Blocked For Security Reasons, Your System Might Be Infected, Do Not Ignore This Windows Alert, and many others. All claim that the system is missing files or damaged in other similar ways, however, these errors should never be trusted.
They are merely attempts to generate revenue by extorting money from unsuspecting users. Potentially unwanted programs are designed only to generate revenue for the developers.
By delivering promises to enable various 'useful functionality', they attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, rather than providing any significant value for regular users, PUPs cause unwanted browser redirects, deliver intrusive ads, and collect private information.
How did adware install on my computer?
Cyber criminals proliferate potentially unwanted programs using a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" - stealth installation of third party applications with regular software. Developers know that most users rush the download and installation processes and skip many steps.
Therefore, bundled programs are hidden within the "Custom/Advanced" settings. Skipping this section often leads to inadvertent installation of potentially unwanted programs.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
PUPs are distributed using the bundling method. Therefore, never rush the download or installation processes. Select the "Custom/Advanced" settings and carefully analyze each step. Furthermore, opt-out of all additionally-included programs and decline offers to download/install them.
Screenshot of "Microsoft has Detected A Porn Virus" pop-up (GIF):
Text presented within the first pop-up:
Microsoft has detected that a porn virus has infected your system and trying to steal pictures, data, and social networking passwords. This is a serious hacking issue. Rectify it immediately. IMMEDIATE RESPONSE REQUIRED. Please Do Not Try to Fix Manually. It May Crash Your Data. ERROR CODE: ERR7343DYJ6 Call 1844-786-8921 (Toll Free) and tell this code to agent. Please Visit Your Nearest Windows Service Centre OR Call Help Desk Customer Service +1-844-786-8921 (TOLL-FREE) IMMEDIATE RESPONSE REQUIRED PLEASE DO NOT SHUT DOWN OR RESTART YOUR COMPUTER, DOING THAT MAY LEAD TO DATA LOSS AND FAILURE OF OPERATING SYSTEM, HENCE BOOTABLE SITUATION RESULTING COMPLETE DATA LOSS. The Trojan and backdoors are not themselves easily detectable, but if they carry our significant computing or communications activity may cause the computer to run noticeably slowly. Malicious program are classified as Trojans if they do not attempt to inject themselves into other files (computer ZEUS virus) or otherwise propagate themselves (worm). A computer may host a Trojan via a malicious program a user is duped into executing files or browsing Internet. Network administration department at +1-844-786-8921 (TOLL-FREE)
Text presented within the second pop-up:
The problem is caused by an unusual activity performed on this machine. Please call our Microsoft Support Team at +1-844-786-8921 (TollFree) to resolve this issues.
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:
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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 Microsoft Has Detected A Porn Virus?
- 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 "microsoft has detected a porn virus" 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 "microsoft has detected a porn virus" 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 "microsoft has detected a porn virus" 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 "microsoft has detected a porn virus" 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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