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Bad Rabbit Attack Scam

Also Known As: "Bad Rabbit Attack" virus
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Bad Rabbit Attack?

"Bad Rabbit Attack" is a fake error displayed by a rogue website. It is very similar to Code 055BCCAC9FEC, Your Device Is Under Threat, Windows Product Key Expired, and many others. 

Research shows that users are often redirected to this website by potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) that infiltrate systems without permission. Furthermore, as well as causing redirects, PUPs deliver intrusive advertisements (pop-ups, banners, coupons, and so on), gather information, and misuse system resources to run unnecessary processes.

Bad Rabbit Attack adware

The "Bad Rabbit Attack" error states that the system has detected an attack and has been blocked. It also states that confidential information (logins/passwords, banking details, and so on) is at risk. For these reasons, users are encouraged to immediately contact Windows Technical Support via a telephone number ("1-844-539-5778") provided.

These people then supposedly resolve the issues. Bear in mind, however, that, as mentioned above, the "Bad Rabbit Attack" error is fake (rather than a scam). Cyber criminals attempt to scare unsuspecting users and trick them into calling, and paying for technical services that are not required.

Be aware also that developers of fake errors often demand remote access to the caller's PC. Once connected, they stealthily install malware and change system settings. These criminals claim to detect "additional issues" and offer further help for an extra fee. For these reasons, you should ignore "Bad Rabbit Attack" and never call the aforementioned telephone number.

This error can be removed simply by closing the web browser (preferably, via Task Manager) or rebooting the system. Immediately scan the entire system with a legitimate anti-virus/anti-spyware suite. Note that after re-running the web browser, never restore closed tabs, otherwise you will return to the malicious website.

Potentially unwanted programs deliver various intrusive advertisements. To achieve this, they employ various tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, intrusive ads often conceal underlying content, thereby diminishing the web browsing experience.

Furthermore, intrusive ads redirect to malicious websites and run scripts that download and install malware or PUPs. Therefore, even a single click might result in high-risk computer infections. Another downside is information tracking. Most PUPs gather information that typically includes personal details.

IP addresses, web URLs visited, queries entered into search engines, keystrokes, geo-locations, and other collected data is typically sold to third parties. These people (potentially, cyber criminals) misuse the data to generate revenue. In doing so, they cause serious privacy issues.

Potentially unwanted programs also misuse system resources to perform unnecessary tasks (e.g., to mine cryptocurrencies). In this way, potentially unwanted programs reduce overall system performance. For these reasons, PUPs must be eliminated immediately.

Threat Summary:
Name "Bad Rabbit 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.
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As mentioned above, "Bad Rabbit Attack" shares many similarities with dozens of other fake errors. All claim that the system is corrupted, however, these claims are merely attempts to extort money from regular users. All potentially unwanted programs share many similarities.

By offering "useful features" (e.g., anti-virus, improved download performance, file conversion, system optimization, etc.), PUPs attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, they are designed only to generate revenue for the developers and pose a direct threat to users' privacy and Internet browsing safety.

How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?

Some PUPs have official download websites, however, most are distributed using a deceptive marketing method called "bundling", and the aforementioned intrusive ads. Due to lack of knowledge and careless behavior by many users, PUPs often infiltrate systems without permission. "Bundling" is stealth installation of third party apps together with regular software/apps.

Developers do not adequately disclose these installations - they hide "bundled" apps within the "Custom/Advanced" options, or other sections of the download/installation processes. In addition, many users rush these procedures, skip steps, and click advertisements without understanding the consequences. In doing so, they expose their systems to risk of various infections.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

To prevent this situation, pay close attention when browsing the Internet and, especially when downloading/installing software. Be aware that intrusive ads typically look legitimate and useful, however, they are distinguishable, since most lead to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and other dubious sites.

If you encounter these ads, immediately remove all dubious programs/browser plug-ins. Carefully analyze each window of the download/installation dialogs and opt-out of all additionally-included programs. The key to computer safety is caution.

Text presented in "Bad Rabbit Attack" pop-up:

Windows Has Detected a BAD RABBIT ATTACK !! On Your System
Do Not Shutdown or Restart Your Computer
Contact Windows Certified Technicians For Immediate Assistance

** YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN BLOCKED **
Windows Has Detected a BAD RABBIT ATTACK !! On Your System
> Facebook Logins
> Credit Card Details
> Email Account Login
> Photos stored on this computer
You must contact us immediately so that our engineers can walk you through the removal process over the phone. Please call us within the next 5 minutes to prevent your computer from being disabled.
Call: 1-844-539-5778

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:

Removal of potentially unwanted programs:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

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:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

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.

Bad Rabbit Attack adware uninstall via Control Panel

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:

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing Bad Rabbit Attack ads from Internet Explorer step 1

Click the "gear" icon Internet Explorer options 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".

Removing Bad Rabbit Attack ads from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the "bad rabbit 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.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows XP

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.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 7

Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.

Reseting Internet Explorer settings to default in Windows 8 - accessing

In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - Internet options advanced tab

Click the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - click the Reset button in the Internet options advanced tab

Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - confirm settings reset to default by clicking the reset button

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing Bad Rabbit Attack  ads from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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.

Removing Bad Rabbit Attack ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the "bad rabbit attack" virus, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing Bad Rabbit Attack ads from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.

Removing Bad Rabbit Attack ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with "bad rabbit 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, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

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...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the "bad rabbit attack" virus, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

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.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, 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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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
Bad Rabbit Attack virus QR code
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