Windows Detected ZEUS Virus Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Windows Detected ZEUS Virus?
"Windows Detected ZEUS Virus" is another fake error message displayed by a dubious website. Research shows that criminals build this website's traffic by employing various potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) designed to redirect users without their consent.
Furthermore, these PUPs infiltrate systems without permission, run unwanted processes, generate intrusive ads (coupons, banners, pop-ups, etc.), and gather various information.
This error states that the system has been infected with ZEUS malware and that sensitive data (logins/passwords, banking details, etc.) is at risk. It goes on to say that the malware must be eliminated without delay, however, before doing so, users must contact Microsoft technical support via a toll-free telephone number ("+1-866-625-5558") provided.
From this point, users are guided through the malware removal process, however, "Windows Detected ZEUS Virus" error is fake - a simple scam, which has nothing to do with Microsoft (developers of the Windows Operating System).
Developers of this error attempt generate revenue by claiming to be certified computer technicians and tricking users into paying for services that are not required. The malware simply does not exist. Furthermore, these people often request remote access to users' computers. This is to stealthily install malware and/or change system settings.
The criminals then claim to "detect" more system issues and offer their help for an additional fee. For these reasons, we strongly advise you to ignore "Windows Detected ZEUS Virus" and never call the telephone number. This error can be removed simply by closing the Internet browser (preferably, via Task Manager) or rebooting the system.
Malicious websites/PUPs commonly run various unwanted processes (e.g., mine cryptocurrency) in the background, without users’ permission. Ultimately, these programs and websites misuse system resources, thereby significantly diminishing overall computer performance. Another downside is display of 'malvertising' ads.
By generating ads that constantly conceal underlying content, potentially unwanted programs significantly diminish the browsing experience. Note that 'malvertising' ads often lead to malicious websites and, in some cases, execute scripts designed to download/install malware/PUPs. Therefore, even accidental clicks can result in high-risk computer infections.
Research also shows that many potentially unwanted programs gather various data that is likely to include personal details. PUP developers later sell the data to third parties. Therefore, data tracking might cause serious privacy issues. We strongly advise you to uninstall all PUPs immediately.
| Name | "Windows Detected ZEUS Virus" 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. |
"Windows Detected ZEUS Virus" is virtually identical to dozens of other fake errors. As with "Windows Detected ZEUS Virus", pop-ups such as Windows Has Detected An Internet Attack, Your Device Is Under Threat, Threats Detected, and dozens of other fake errors, also claim that the system is damaged.
Bear in mind, however, that these errors are designed only to extort money from unsuspecting users by tricking them into purchasing technical services that are not required. Be aware that all potentially unwanted programs also share many similarities. By offering various "useful features", PUPs attempt to give the impression of legitimacy.
In fact, these programs deliver no real value for regular users. Their only purpose is to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than providing any of features promised, 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, in most cases these programs infiltrate systems without permission due to lack of knowledge and careless behavior by many users. Developers proliferate PUPs by employing a deceptive marketing method called "bundling", and the aforementioned malicious ads.
"Bundling" is stealth installation of third party software together with regular apps. Developers are aware that many users recklessly rush the download/installation processes and skip steps.
Therefore, they hide "bundled" apps within the "Custom/Advanced" settings or other sections of these processes. By skipping steps and clicking various advertisements, users expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
This situation can be prevented by paying close attention when browsing the Internet and especially when downloading/installing software. Be aware that criminals invest many resources into malicious ad design. Therefore, these ads often appear genuine, however, they are distinguishable for their redirects - most lead to survey, gambling, adult dating, and other dubious websites.
If you encounter such ads, uninstall all suspicious programs/browser add-ons. Furthermore, it is very important to carefully observe each window of the download/installation dialogues and cancel all additionally-included programs. The key to computer safety is caution.
Text presented within the first "Windows Detected ZEUS Virus" pop-up:
**** Don't Restart Your Computer ****
Windows Detected ZEUS Virus, The Infection detected, indicate some recent downloads on the computer which in turn has created problems on the computer.
Call Microsoft support +1-866-625-5558 and share this code B2957E to the Agent to Fix This.
A Suspicious Connection Was Trying to Access Your Logins, Banking Details & Tracking Your Internet Activity.
Security Centre & Firewall Services are Disabled, Error code 0x8007042c
Your TCP Connection Was Blocked by Your Firewall. Your Accounts May be Suspended Until You Take an Action.
Text presented within the second "Windows Detected ZEUS Virus" pop-up:
The problem is caused by an unusual activity performed on this machine. Please call our Microsoft Support Team at: +1-866-625-5558 (Toll Free) to resolve this issues.
The appearance of "Windows Detected ZEUS Virus" pop-up (GIF):
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is Windows Detected ZEUS Virus?
- 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 detected zeus virus" 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 detected zeus virus" 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 detected zeus virus" 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 detected zeus virus" 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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