Security Warning Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Security Warning?
"Security Warning" is a fake error message displayed by a malicious website that users often visit inadvertently - they are redirected by various potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) that infiltrate systems without permission (the "bundling" method).
Research shows that PUPs are also likely to deliver intrusive online advertisements and track browsing activity by gathering user-system information.
The "Security Warning" error message states that the system is infected with a Zeus virus and that personal information (logins/passwords, banking details, etc.) is at risk. Victims are advised that the malware must be uninstalled immediately and they should contact technical support via a toll-free telephone number ("0-800-260-5674") provided.
They are then supposedly guided through the removal process. The cyber criminals behind this scam have designed the malicious website to open an infinite number of pop-up windows, thereby preventing the computer from responding (the computer memory and CPU are overloaded). In this way, they attempt to trick users into believing that the system is infected.
As mentioned above, however, "Security Warning" is fake and should thus be ignored. Cyber criminals aim to trick users into calling and paying for technical support that is not required. "Security Warning", and other similar errors, can be closed by ending the browser process via Task Manager or simply rebooting the system.
PUPs often deliver pop-up, coupon, banner, and other similar advertisements that conceal underlying content (thereby significantly diminishing web browsing experience). They might also redirect to malicious websites and even accidental clicks can result in high-risk adware malware infections.
Furthermore, PUPs monitor web browsing activity by recording IP addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, and other similar information containing personal details.
The data is later shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse personal details to generate revenue. This behavior can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. We strongly advise you to uninstall all PUPs immediately.
| Name | "Security Warning" 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. |
There are many browser-based scams similar to Security Warning. The list of examples includes (but is not limited to) Error Virus - Trojan Backdoor Hijack, Your Windows Is Infected, Windows 10 Technical Support, and YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN BLOCKED.
These scams claims that the system is damaged in certain ways, however, as with Security Warning, they are designed simply to generate revenue for the developers.
All PUPs have an identical purpose. By offering various 'useful features', they attempt to trick users into believing that they are legitimate and useful. In fact, PUPs are useless for regular users. They cause unwanted redirects, display intrusive online advertisements, and continually record various user-system information.
How did adware install on my computer?
Developers proliferate PUPs by employing a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". They hide bundled programs within the "Custom/Advanced" settings of the download/installation processes. Rushing and skipping this section thus exposes systems to risk of various infections and puts users' privacy at risk.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
To prevent this situation, be very cautious when downloading and installing software. Carefully analyze each step using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings. Furthermore, cancel all additionally-included programs and decline offers to download/install them. Never install bundled programs.
Text presented within "Security Warning" scam:
Security Warning
Windows Defender Alert : Zeus Virus Detected In Your Computer !!
Please Do Not Shut Down or Reset Your Computer.
The following data will be compromised if you continue:
1. Passwords
2. Browser History
3. Credit Card Information
4.Local Hard Disk Files.
This virus is well known for complete identity and credit card theft. Further action through this computer or any computer on the network will reveal private information and involve serious risks.
Call Microsoft Technical Department:
0-800-260-5674 (Toll Free)
The "Security Warning" scam website opening an infinite number of pop-up windows and, therefore, overloading the computer memory and CPU:
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 Security Warning?
- 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 "security warning" 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, select these entries and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the "security warning" 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 "security warning" 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 "security warning" 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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Outstanding!
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