Bad Rabbit Attack Scam

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.

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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

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

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Quick menu:

• What is Bad Rabbit 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 "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.

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 "bad rabbit 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 on "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.

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, 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 "bad rabbit 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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