How to avoid falling for scams like "Suspicious Connection"
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is "Suspicious Connection"?
Displayed by a malicious website, "Suspicious Connection" is a fake error message similar to Error #0x0072ee7, Firewall Breach Detected, Internet Explorer Critical ERROR, and many others.
Users often visit this website inadvertently - they are redirected by unwanted programs that infiltrate systems without permission. Research also shows that these apps often misuse system resources, gather system information, and deliver 'malvertising' ads (pop-ups, coupons, banners, etc.).
More about the "Suspiciou Activity" scam
This error states that the system has detected a suspicious connection attempting to access personal information (banking details, logins/passwords, etc.) and, for this reason, the system Security Centre and Firewall have been disabled. It is also stated that the system is probably infected with a Trojan virus.
Therefore, users are encouraged to call Customer Service via a toll-free telephone number ("+1-855-559-2111") provided. These people then supposedly help victims resolve the issue. In fact, "Suspicious Connection" is a scam.
Cyber criminals claim to be 'certified technicians' and attempt to trick users into paying for technical support that is not necessary - the malware simply does not exist. In addition, after calling, users will probably be asked for remote access to their computer. Criminals then attempt to gain control of their systems to stealthily modify system settings and/or install malware.
They then claim to "find" more issues and offer further help for an additional fee. For these reasons, the "Suspicious Connection" error should be ignored. Never call the aforementioned telephone number. You can remove the fake error simply by closing the web browser or rebooting the system.
More about unwanted apps
As mentioned above, some rogue apps (and malicious websites) stealthily misuse system resources to run unwanted processes (e.g., to mine cryptocurrency) without users' consent. Therefore, computer performance significantly diminishes. Another downside is display of malicious ads.
These generated ads conceal underlying website content (thereby diminishing the browsing experience), but might also lead to malicious websites or even execute scripts that download and install malware. Clicking them can result in high-risk computer infections.
Potentially unwanted programs are also known to track various data that might contain personal details. This information is sold to third parties. For these reasons, we strongly advise you to uninstall all potentially unwanted programs immediately.
| Name | "Suspicious Connection" 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. |
Similar scams
As mentioned above, "Suspicious Connection" is virtually identical to dozens of other fake errors. All claim that the system is damaged (for example, infected, missing files, etc.), however, these claims are merely attempts to extort money from unsuspecting users.
Unwanted programs also share many similarities. All claim to provide "useful features" (e.g., increase download performance, optimize system performance, allow users convert file types, etc.), however, very few unwanted apps provide the features promised - most are useless for regular users.
Rather than providing any value, rogue apps pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.
How did adware install on my computer?
Although some dubious apps have official download websites, most are distributed using the aforementioned ads and via a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". Therefore, due to many users' lack of knowledge and careless behavior, unwanted apps often infiltrate systems without permission.
"Bundling" is stealth installation of third party programs together with regular software/apps. Developers conceal "bundled" programs within various sections (usually the "Custom/Advanced" settings) of the download/installation processes.
Many users rush the download/installation processes and click various advertisements, thereby exposing their systems to risk of various infections and putting their privacy at risk.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
The key to computer safety is caution. Be cautious when downloading/installing software and browsing the Internet. Carefully analyze each step of the download/installation procedures to opt-out of all additionally-included programs. Furthermore, never use third party download/installation tools, since these are monetized using "bundling" (they promote third party programs).
Malicious ads usually appear legitimate, however, they usually lead to gambling, survey, adult dating, pornography, and other dubious websites. If you encounter such ads, eliminate all suspicious applications and browser extensions.
Text presented in "Suspicious Connection" pop-up:
A Suspicious Connection Was Trying to Access Your Logins, Banking Details & Tracking Your Internet Activity
Security Center & Firewall Services are Disabled, Error code 0x8007042c;
Your TCP Connection Was Blocked by Your Firewall. Your Account May be Suspended Until You Take an Action.
Your Personal Information May Have Leaked. IMMEDIATE RESPONSE REQUIRED.
Your Hard Disk May Have Trojan Virus! Please Do Not Try to Fix Manually. It May Crash Your Data.
Please Visit Your Nearest Service Center OR Call Help Desk
Customer Service: +1-855-559-2111 (TOLL-FREE)
PLEASE DO NOT SHUT DOWN OR RESTART YOUR COMPUTER, DOING THAT MAY LEAD TO DATA LOSS AND FAILURE OF OPERATING SYSTEM, HENCE NON BOOTABLE
SITUATION RESULTING COMPLETE DATA LOSS. CONTACT ADMINISTRATOR DEPARTMENT TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE.
The appearance of "Suspicious Connection" pop-up (GIF):
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 Suspicious Connection?
- 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 extensions 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 "suspicious connection" 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 "suspicious connection" 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 "suspicious connection" 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 "suspicious connection" 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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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a pop-up scam?
It is a scam designed to trick visitors into believing that their computers are infected (or damaged in some other way), that they have won some prize, or that they have received some fake warning, announcement, or other message.
What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?
Usually, scammers behind pop-up scams aim to steal money, infect computers with malware, or extract sensitive information (e.g., credit card details, passwords, or ID card information).
Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?
Scammers use various methods to trick users into visiting scam websites. They usually use fake or stolen social media accounts, deceptive pages, misleading advertisements (including notifications from shady sites), and rogue advertising networks (often associated with torrent sites, illegal movie streaming websites, and similar pages).
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?
Combo Cleaner scans every website you visit and is capable of detecting malicious ones. It also identifies sites designed to deliver pop-up scams, providing immediate warnings and restricting access.
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