Avoid getting scammed via sites displaying fake Firewall Error: #ST43400X
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is "Firewall Error: #ST43400X"?
"Firewall Error: #ST43400X" is a technical support scam targeting Japanese-speaking users. This scheme claims that access to the device has been restricted due to detected threats. It must be emphasized that this error is fake and in no way associated with the Microsoft Corporation.
Scam-promoted sites are typically accessed via mistyped URLs or redirects caused by other rogue webpages, intrusive ads, or installed PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications).
"Firewall Error: #ST43400X" scam overview
The claims made by "Firewall Error: #ST43400X" about users' devices being blocked and trojan viruses detected - are false. Furthermore, no website can detect threats on visitors' systems; therefore, those claiming such - are scams.
Technical support schemes aim to trick users into calling fake helplines lines and allowing the cyber criminals (who claim to be technicians, customer support, etc.) to remotely access their computers. Once access to the device is established, scammers can remove security software, install fake anti-viruses, or even infect the system with malware (e.g., trojans, ransomware, etc.) - all the while engaging in technobabble.
Criminals also target personally identifiable and finance-related data (e.g., online bank account credentials, banking information, credit card numbers, etc.). They can obtain this data by asking victims to disclose it, claiming it is invisible to them while it is being typed, through phishing websites/files, or information-stealing malware.
What is more, the hoax services provided by scammers can be extremely pricey. The "fees" often have to be paid via dubious payment gateways that record the data provided to them. Cyber criminals can request difficult/impossible to trace digital currencies (e.g., cryptocurrencies, pre-paid vouchers, gift cards, etc.). In some cases, they ask for cash to be hidden in parcels and shipped.
To summarize, by trusting the "Firewall Error: #ST43400X" scam, users can experience continuous targeting by scammers, multiple system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Should it be impossible to close a scam webpage - the browser's process must be terminated using the Windows Task Manager. Upon reopening, the previous browsing session cannot be restored - as doing so will open the deceptive page as well.
Name | Firewall Error: #ST43400X tech support scam |
Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
Fake Claim | Scam claims access to users' devices has been restricted due to detected viruses. |
Disguise | Scam is disguised as an error alert from Microsoft. |
Tech Support Scammer Phone Number | 050-5479-3364 |
Related Domains | jamatarakk[.]club |
Detection Names (jamatarakk[.]club) | Avira (Malware), Combo Cleaner (Malware), CRDF (Malicious), Kaspersky (Malware), Sophos (Malware), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
Symptoms | Fake error messages, fake system warnings, pop-up errors, hoax computer scan. |
Distribution methods | Compromised websites, rogue online pop-up ads, potentially unwanted applications. |
Damage | Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft, possible malware infections. |
Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Technical support scam examples
"Pornographics Security Warning", "Windows_Firewall_Protection_Alert", and "Code 0x03A10 (0E10)" are a few examples of tech support scams. There are various schemes online, ranging from fake errors to hoax lotteries. Due to how widespread deceptive and malicious content is on the Web, it is strongly advised to exercise caution when browsing.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
PUAs can force-open deceptive and other harmful sites. Unwanted apps can have additional/different abilities (e.g., adware, browser hijackers, etc.). This software can infiltrate systems without express user permission.
PUAs are spread using the "bundling" marketing technique - pre-packing regular programs with various additions. Rushed downloads/installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device. Intrusive ads also proliferate PUAs. When clicked, the ads can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations. Some of these applications have "official" download pages as well.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is advised to research software and only download from official/verified channels. Dubious sources, e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc. - often offer bundled and hazardous programs/media.
When downloading/installing, it is important to read terms, explore possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt-out from all supplements. Intrusive adverts look harmless yet redirect to deceptive and questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of encounters with ads/redirects of this kind, the system must be inspected and all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - removed without delay. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Text presented in the "Firewall Error: #ST43400X" scam pop-up:
Microsoft ファイアウォール
Windows Defender Firewall Error: #ST43400X
アクセスはこのパソコンのブロックセキュリティ上の理由.
Windowsサポートに連絡する: 050-5479-3364
脅威が検出された-Trojan Spyware
アプリ: Ads.financetrack(1).exe
[クイックサポート] [安全に戻る]
The appearance of "Firewall Error: #ST43400X" pop-up scam (GIF):
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 Firewall Error: #ST43400X tech support scam?
- How to identify a pop-up scam?
- How do pop-up scams work?
- How to remove fake pop-ups?
- How to prevent fake pop-ups?
- What to do if you fell for a pop-up scam?
How to identify a pop-up scam?
Pop-up windows with various fake messages are a common type of lures cybercriminals use. They collect sensitive personal data, trick Internet users into calling fake tech support numbers, subscribe to useless online services, invest in shady cryptocurrency schemes, etc.
While in the majority of cases these pop-ups don't infect users' devices with malware, they can cause direct monetary loss or could result in identity theft.
Cybercriminals strive to create their rogue pop-up windows to look trustworthy, however, scams typically have the following characteristics:
- Spelling mistakes and non-professional images - Closely inspect the information displayed in a pop-up. Spelling mistakes and unprofessional images could be a sign of a scam.
- Sense of urgency - Countdown timer with a couple of minutes on it, asking you to enter your personal information or subscribe to some online service.
- Statements that you won something - If you haven't participated in a lottery, online competition, etc., and you see a pop-up window stating that you won.
- Computer or mobile device scan - A pop-up window that scans your device and informs of detected issues - is undoubtedly a scam; webpages cannot perform such actions.
- Exclusivity - Pop-up windows stating that only you are given secret access to a financial scheme that can quickly make you rich.
Example of a pop-up scam:
How do pop-up scams work?
Cybercriminals and deceptive marketers usually use various advertising networks, search engine poisoning techniques, and shady websites to generate traffic to their pop-ups. Users land on their online lures after clicking on fake download buttons, using a torrent website, or simply clicking on an Internet search engine result.
Based on users' location and device information, they are presented with a scam pop-up. Lures presented in such pop-ups range from get-rich-quick schemes to fake virus scans.
How to remove fake pop-ups?
In most cases, pop-up scams do not infect users' devices with malware. If you encountered a scam pop-up, simply closing it should be enough. In some cases scam, pop-ups may be hard to close; in such cases - close your Internet browser and restart it.
In extremely rare cases, you might need to reset your Internet browser. For this, use our instructions explaining how to reset Internet browser settings.
How to prevent fake pop-ups?
To prevent seeing pop-up scams, you should visit only reputable websites. Torrent, Crack, free online movie streaming, YouTube video download, and other websites of similar reputation commonly redirect Internet users to pop-up scams.
To minimize the risk of encountering pop-up scams, you should keep your Internet browsers up-to-date and use reputable anti-malware application. For this purpose, we recommend Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.
What to do if you fell for a pop-up scam?
This depends on the type of scam that you fell for. Most commonly, pop-up scams try to trick users into sending money, giving away personal information, or giving access to one's device.
- If you sent money to scammers: You should contact your financial institution and explain that you were scammed. If informed promptly, there's a chance to get your money back.
- If you gave away your personal information: You should change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication in all online services that you use. Visit Federal Trade Commission to report identity theft and get personalized recovery steps.
- If you let scammers connect to your device: You should scan your computer with reputable anti-malware (we recommend Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows) - cyber criminals could have planted trojans, keyloggers, and other malware, don't use your computer until removing possible threats.
- Help other Internet users: report Internet scams to Federal Trade Commission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a pop-up scam?
Essentially, pop-up scams are messages designed to trick users into performing specific actions (e.g., calling telephone numbers, allowing remote access to their device, disclosing personal data, installing dubious or malicious software, paying bogus fees, etc.).
What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?
The end-goal of practically all pop-up scams is to generate revenue for their designers. Cyber criminals can profit through deceptively obtained money, commissions received from untrustworthy/harmful app promotion, abuse or sale of private information, malware proliferation, and so on.
Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?
Pop-up scams are promoted on various rogue webpages. Typically such sites are accessed through mistyped URLs or redirects caused by suspect pages, intrusive adverts, or installed harmful software.
I have allowed cyber criminals to remotely access my computer, what should I do?
If you've allowed cyber criminals to access your device, you have to disconnect it from the Internet first. Afterwards, uninstall the remote access software (e.g., AnyDesk, TeamViewer, etc.) the scammers used. Lastly, perform a complete system scan with an anti-virus and use it to remove any threats detected.
I have provided my personal information when tricked by a pop-up scam, what should I do?
If you have disclosed personal information (e.g., ID card details, credit card numbers, etc.) - immediately contact relevant authorities. If you've provided account credentials - change the passwords of all potentially exposed accounts and inform their official support without delay.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams and the malware they proliferate?
Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning visited websites and detecting deceptive/scam and malicious ones. It can also block further access to these sites. Combo Cleaner can likewise scan devices and eliminate nearly all of the known malware infections. However, performing a full system scan is key - since sophisticated malicious software tends to hide deep within the system.
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