Your Data Is At A Serious Risk Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Your Data Is At A Serious Risk?
"Your Data Is At A Serious Risk" is a fake error pop-up claiming that the system is infected. It is displayed by a malicious website that users often visit inadvertently - they are redirected by various potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). These programs usually infiltrate systems without consent. As well as causing redirects, PUPs deliver intrusive ads and record various user-system data.
The "Your Data Is At A Serious Risk" message states that the system has been infected with a virus called Debby. It goes on to state that this malware has supposedly damaged/deleted system files and, for this reason, the system is not working properly. It is also stated that the malware's presence can lead to further data loss.
Users are encouraged to remove the malware immediately by contacting "technician support" via a telephone number ("+1-833-335-1333") provided. They are then supposedly guided through the malware removal process.
Be aware, however, that "Your Data Is At A Serious Risk" is a scam - cyber criminals generate revenue by scaring and tricking users into calling and paying for technical services that are not required. The stated malware does not exist. Therefore, "Your Data Is At A Serious Risk" should be ignored - it can be removed simply by closing the web browser.
As mentioned above, PUPs deliver intrusive ads. To achieve this, developers employ various tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, pop-ups, banners, coupons, and other intrusive ads often conceal underlying content, thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience.
In addition, some ads might execute scripts that download and install malware/PUPs - even accidental clicks can result in high-risk computer infections. PUPs also record Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, mouse/keyboard activity, and other similar information that might contain personal details.
PUP developers aim to generate revenue by selling this information to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse personal information. Therefore, information tracking can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. For these reasons, you should uninstall all PUPs immediately.
| Name | "Your Data Is At A Serious Risk" 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 fake errors identical to "Your Data Is At A Serious Risk". The list of examples includes (but is not limited to) Google Security Warning, High Priority Message, Your Computer May Have a Virus!, and Unauthorized Access Detected !
All claim that the system is damaged in some way (for example, hijacked, infected, missing files, etc.), however, as with Your Data Is At A Serious Risk, these errors are fake - they are designed only to extort money from unsuspecting users. PUPs are designed only to generate revenue for the developers.
They falsely claim to provide "useful features" to give the impression of legitimacy. In fact, PUPs deliver no significant value for regular users, promote dubious websites (by causing redirects), generate ads (via the "Pay Per Click" advertising model), and gather private information.
Many of the promoted websites are fake search engines that generate false results (thereby promoting other rogue websites), deliver intrusive ads, and record information. As with intrusive ads, false search results can lead to malicious websites. Therefore, using a fake Internet search engines is very risky.
How did adware install on my computer?
Some PUPs have an official download/promotion website, however, most are distributed using the aforementioned advertisements together with a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" - stealth installation of third party programs with regular software/apps.
Developers hide "bundled" apps within the "Custom/Advanced" settings of the download/installation processes. Many users rush or skip this section and click various ads. This often leads to inadvertent installation of PUPs, thus exposing systems to risk of various infections and compromises users' privacy.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Poor knowledge and careless behavior are the main reasons for computer infections. The key to computer safety is caution. Therefore, be careful when browsing the Internet and especially when downloading/installing software. Cyber criminals put a great deal of time and effort into designing intrusive ads.
Therefore, most seem genuine (determining if displayed ads originate from the visited [legitimate] websites is virtually impossible). No matter how tempting the ads may seem, do not that the risk of clicking them. In addition, pay close attention when downloading and installing software.
Carefully analyze these processes using the "Custom/Advanced" settings and decline offers to download/install additional apps. Bear in mind that third party download/installation tools often include PUPs and, therefore, we recommend that you avoid using these tools.
Text presented within "Your Data Is At A Serious Risk" scam:
The server reports that it is from Suspicious activity detected on your IP address due to harmful virus installed in your computer. call Toll Free now +1-833-335-1333 for any assistance. Your data is at a serious risk. There is a system file missing due to some harmful virus Debby malware error, system failure. Please contact technicians to rectify the issue. Please do not open Internet browser for your security issue to avoid data corruption on your operating system. Please contact technicians at Toll free Helpline at +1-833-335-1333 PLEASE DO NOT SHUT DOWN OR RESTART YOUR COMPUTER, DOING THAT MAY LEAD TO DATA LOSS AND FAILURE TF OPERATING SYSTEM, HENCE NON BOOTABLE SITUATIONS RESULTING COMPLETE DATA LOSS. CONTACT ADMINISTRATOR DEPARTMENT TO RESOLE THE ISSUE ON TOLL FREE + 1-833-335-1333 Warning: Your user name and password will be sent using basic authentication on a connection that isn’t secure.
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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Quick menu:
- What is Your Data Is At A Serious Risk?
- 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 data is at a serious risk" 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 "your data is at a serious risk" 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 data is at a serious risk" 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 data is at a serious risk" 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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