Windows Failed To Find Any Security Tool Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is "Windows Failed To Find Any Security Tool"?
"Windows Failed To Find Any Security Tool" is a fake error message distributed via deceptive a software installer downloadable on various websites.
Following infiltration, this malware supposedly scans the system and displays a window with a list of errors. In fact, "Windows Failed To Find Any Security Tool" locks the computer screen and encourages users to contact 'computer technicians'.
After falsely scanning the system, the "Windows Failed To Find Any Security Tool" error displays a window that contains detailed information regarding system security.
It is stated that the system is unprotected and can be harmed and, therefore, "Windows Failed To Find Any Security Tool" locks the computer screen and encourages users to call Windows Help Desk via a telephone number provided. After contacting these "certified technicians", users supposedly receive help protecting their systems and removing the screenlock.
Despite these statements, bear in mind that "Windows Failed To Find Any Security Tool" is fake - simply a scam that cyber criminals use to generate revenue by scaring and tricking users into paying for technical support that is not required. These people usually demand answers to various 'yes' or 'no' questions with an intention of recording 'yes' answers.
Criminals then use this record as 'proof' that users supposedly agreed to undertake various money transactions (e.g., purchases, credit card charge, etc.) In addition, cyber criminals often demand remote access to users' computers. Once connected, they install malware and/or change system settings.
Furthermore, they claim to "detect" various errors and offer their help for an additional fee. Therefore, never attempt to call the aforementioned telephone number.
| Name | "Windows Failed To Find Any Security Tool" virus |
| Threat Type | Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files locker |
| Symptoms | Can't open files stored on your computer, previously functional files now have a different extension, for example my.docx.locked. A ransom demanding message is displayed on your desktop. Cyber criminals are asking to pay a ransom (usually in bitcoins) to unlock your files. |
| Distribution methods | Infected email attachments (macros), torrent websites, malicious ads. |
| Damage | All files are encrypted and cannot be opened without paying a ransom. Additional password stealing trojans and malware infections can be installed together with a ransomware infection. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
"Windows Failed To Find Any Security Tool" shares many similarities with dozens of other fake errors such as Microsoft Windows Got De-Activated, Windows Health Is Critical, Windows Product Key Failure, and Microsoft Security Alert. Unlike "Windows Failed To Find Any Security Tool", most fake errors are displayed by malicious websites.
In any case, these viruses state that the system is damaged (e.g., infected, missing files, fake, etc.) - these claims are merely attempts to extort unsuspecting users. Users often visit these websites inadvertently - they are redirected by potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).
By offering various "useful features", PUPs attempt to give the impression of legitimacy and trick users to install, however, rather than giving any real value, they cause unwanted redirects, diminish system performance (by misusing resources to mine cryptocurrency or run other unwanted processes), gather information, and deliver malicious ads, thereby posing a threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety. PUPs are designed only to generate revenue for the developers.
How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?
As mentioned above, "Windows Failed To Find Any Security Tool" is distributed as via installation set-ups. Research shows that various unofficial software distribution sources (e.g., free file hosting websites, freeware download websites, peer-to-peer [P2P] networks, etc.) often present malicious executables as legitimate software.
In doing so, criminals trick users into downloading and running malware. Essentially, the main reasons for computer infections are poor knowledge and careless behavior.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
To prevent this situation, be very cautious when browsing the Internet and especially when downloading/installing software. Malware is often distributed via 'malvertising' ads (e.g., coupons, banners, pop-ups, etc.) When clicked, these ads often redirect to malicious websites or even execute scripts that download/install malware.
In most cases, these ads appear legitimate, however, malicious ads are distinguishable for their redirects - most lead to survey, adult dating, pornography, gambling, and other dubious sites. As mentioned above, malicious ads are often displayed by potentially unwanted programs.
Therefore, if you encounter such ads, uninstall all suspicious applications and browser extensions. Note that malware is often "bundled" together with regular (mostly free) software. Developers hide "bundled" apps within various sections (e.g., the "Custom/Advanced" settings) of the download/installation processes.
Therefore, carefully analyze each window of the download/installation dialogues and opt-out of all additionally-included programs. In addition, we strongly advise you to download your software from official sources only and, if possible, using a direct download link. The key to computer safety is caution.
List of errors presented in the window displayed after the fake scan:
Full System Analysis Report
Typer of Report: Full
Network Analysis
Note: This is a system generated report. The fields manually populated are pre-marked by Remarks by Analyst
Network Analysis Legend
A: Network is Secure and protected.
B: Network is Secure but Not Protected
C: Network is Not Secure and Not Protected
E: Network is Completely Compromised.
+ Network is and - denote the tendency of getting better or worse respectively.
A complete network survey was conducted on the IP: - and the Results are as follows.
Overall Network Score: D-
Network Health: Network Health is Very: LOW and must be take care instantly.
Network Security: There is: No Network Security on the current network and the network is vulnerable.
Network Performance: The Network is performing: GOOD as of now but THREATS have been detected.
System Analysis
THE SYSTEM WILL BE RATED OUR OF A SCORE OF 100 WHERE 100 IS PERFECT.
Overall System Score: 36.66
System Health: 30
System Security: 10
Summary and Comments (Remarks by Analyst): The system is working fine as of now but due to multiple threats and security issues the system's health is dipping down every minute. There seems to be a trojan on the system installed by a third party which may be monitoring the system and the network.
Screenshot of the window displayed while performing the fake scan:
Screenshot of "Windows Failed To Find Any Security Tool" lock screen:
Text presented within this lock screen:
Error Code: XFUI23489
Error Message: Windows failed to find any security tools on this computer, security may be compromised. We strongly advise to call help desk before using this computer. Because your security key has been expired. HELP DESK: 1-999-310-0196
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is "Windows Failed To Find Any Security Tool"?
- STEP 1. "Windows Failed To Find Any Security Tool" virus removal using safe mode with networking.
- STEP 2. "Windows Failed To Find Any Security Tool" virus removal using System Restore.
"Windows Failed To Find Any Security Tool" virus removal:
Step 1
Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK. During your computer starting process press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 8 users: Go to the Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click on Advanced Startup options, in the opened "General PC Settings" window select Advanced Startup. Click on the "Restart now" button. Your computer will now restart into "Advanced Startup options menu".
Click on the "Troubleshoot" button, then click on "Advanced options" button. In the advanced option screen click on "Startup settings". Click on the "Restart" button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press "5" to boot in Safe Mode with Networking Prompt.
Video showing how to start Windows 8 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 10 users: Click the Windows logo and select the Power icon. In the opened menu click "Restart" while holding "Shift" button on your keyboard. In the "choose an option" window click on the "Troubleshoot", next select "Advanced options". In the advanced options menu select "Startup Settings" and click on the "Restart" button.
In the following window you should click the "F5" button on your keyboard. This will restart your operating system in safe mode with networking.
Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Step 2
Log in to the account infected with the "Windows Failed To Find Any Security Tool" virus. Start your Internet browser and download a legitimate anti-spyware program. Update the anti-spyware software and start a full system scan. Remove all entries detected.
If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking, try performing a System Restore.
Video showing how to remove viruses using "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" and "System Restore":
1. During your computer starting process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears, and then select Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list and press ENTER.
2. When Command Prompt Mode loads, enter the following line: cd restore and press ENTER.
3. Next, type this line: rstrui.exe and press ENTER.
4. In the opened window, click "Next".
5. Select one of the available Restore Points and click "Next" (this will restore your computer system to an earlier time and date, prior to the "Windows Failed To Find Any Security Tool" virus infiltrating your PC).
6. In the opened window, click "Yes".
7. After restoring your computer to a previous date, download and scan your PC with recommended malware removal software to eliminate any remnants of the "Windows Failed To Find Any Security Tool" virus.
If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking (or with Command Prompt), boot your computer using a rescue disk.
Some viruses disable Safe Mode making it's removal complicated. For this step, you require access to another computer. After removing "Windows Failed To Find Any Security Tool" virus from your PC, restart your computer and scan it with legitimate anti-spyware software to remove any possible remnants of this security infection.
Other tools known to remove this scam:
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