Windows Has Detected An Internet Attack Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Windows Has Detected An Internet Attack?
Displayed by a malicious website, "Windows Has Detected An Internet Attack" is a fake error pop-up similar to Your Device Is Under Threat, Threats Detected, Microsoft Has Blocked The Computer, and many others.
Users often visit this website inadvertently - they are redirected by various potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). Research shows that these programs infiltrate systems without permission, cause unwanted redirects, run unwanted processes, deliver malicious ads, and gather various information.
The "Windows Has Detected An Internet Attack" error states that a third party has "hacked" the network connection. It goes on to state that the "hacking process" must be stopped immediately, and users must contact "certified technicians" via a toll-free telephone number ("1888-423-3886") provided.
Bear in mind, however, that "Windows Has Detected An Internet Attack" is fake - all claims regarding the "hacked connection" are false. This error is a scam and has nothing to do with Microsoft (developers of the Windows Operating System).
Cyber criminals aim to generate revenue by claiming to be "certified technicians" and tricking users into calling and paying for technical support that is not needed. Furthermore, these people often demand remote access to the caller's computer. Once connected, they stealthily change system settings and/or install malware.
They then claim to "find" additional issues and offer further help for an extra fee. For these reasons, we strongly advise you to ignore this error and never call the telephone number. It can be removed simply by closing the web browser (preferably, via Task Manager) or restarting the system.
Potentially unwanted programs and some malicious websites mine cryptocurrency or run other unwanted processes in the background. Rogue apps/websites misuse resources without users' consent, thereby significantly reducing system performance. In addition, potentially unwanted programs feed users with pop-ups, coupons, banners, and other 'malvertising' ads.
These are delivered using various tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, content of visited websites is often concealed, significantly diminishing users' Internet browsing experience.
Furthermore, displayed ads commonly lead to malicious websites and, in some cases, execute scripts that download and install malware/PUPs - clicking them risks further high-risk adware or malware infections. Potentially unwanted programs also record various user-system information that typically includes personal details.
PUP developers later share collected data with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) to generate revenue. Therefore, information tracking might lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. For these reasons, we strongly advise you to uninstall all potentially unwanted programs immediately.
| Name | "Windows has detected an Internet attack" 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. |
As mentioned above, there are dozens of fake errors such as "Windows Has Detected An Internet Attack". All claim that the system is damaged (e.g., infected, missing files, etc.), however, these claims are merely attempts to extort money from unsuspecting users. All PUPs are virtually identical.
By offering "useful features", they attempt to give the impression of legitimacy. Bear in mind, however, that these programs are designed only to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than giving any real value for regular users, PUPs pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.
How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?
Some PUPs have official download websites, however, these programs are also proliferated using 'malvertising' ads, and a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". Due to careless behavior and lack of knowledge exhibited by many users, PUPs typically infiltrate systems without permission.
"Bundling" is stealth installation of third party programs together with regular software/apps. Developers hide "bundled" apps within various sections (e.g., "Custom/Advanced" settings) of the download/installation processes.
Furthermore, users often rush these procedures, skip steps, and click various ads without considering the possible consequences. This behavior often leads to various computer infections.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Installation of PUPs can be prevented by paying close attention when browsing the Internet and especially when downloading/installing software. Malicious ads usually appear legitimate, since criminals invest many resources into their design, however, they redirect to gambling, pornography, adult dating, and other suspicious sites.
If you encounter such redirects, immediately eliminate all dubious apps and browser plug-ins. Furthermore, carefully observe each step of the download/installation processes and opt-out of all additionally-included programs. The key to computer safety is caution.
Text presented within "Windows Has Detected An Internet Attack" error:
Windows has detected an Internet attack attempt please call immediately: 1888-423-3886 (Toll free)
Somebody hacked your Internet connection just now from overseas and using your IP address: - for online cyber crime.
Please call immediately to stop this hacking process now 1888-423-3886 (Toll free)
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 Windows Has Detected An Internet Attack?
- 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.
Removal of potentially unwanted programs:
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 rogue extensions 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 "windows has detected an internet attack" 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 "windows has detected an internet attack" 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 "windows has detected an internet attack" 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 "windows has detected an internet attack" 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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