Do not trust websites displaying the "Ransomware EXE.01092-1_Alert" pop-up

What kind of scam is "Ransomware EXE.01092-1_Alert"?

Our research team discovered the "Ransomware EXE.01092-1_Alert" technical support scam during a routine inspection of suspect websites. The scheme warns users of fake system infections to deceive them into calling a bogus support line.

It is noteworthy that in some cases the "Ransomware EXE.01092-1_Alert" pop-up is be followed up by the "Trojan:Slocker" scam.

"Ransomware EXE.01092-1_Alert" scam overview

The website running this tech support scam is presented as Microsoft's official site. The scheme compromises several pop-ups, and the "Ransomware EXE.01092-1_Aler" window can be succeeded by the "Trojan:Slocker" scam. Visitors are alerted of nonexistent trojan/ransomware infections and encouraged to contact support.

It must be emphasized that all these claims are false, and this scam is in no way associated with the Microsoft Corporation or any of its products/services.

This scheme might be entirely contained within the phone call, wherein scammers pretend to be support/technicians and deceive victims into disclosing sensitive data, making monetary transactions, downloading/installing malware, etc.

However, technical support scams typically entail cyber criminals remotely accessing users' devices. The connection can be achieved by using TeamViewer, UltraViewer, AnyDesk, or other legitimate remote access programs.

Threats posed by tech support scammers

Scammers can cause a wide variety of damage after connecting to victims' systems. For example, they can disable or uninstall legitimate security tools, install fake anti-viruses, acquire information, extract funds, and download/install malware (e.g., trojans, ransomware, etc.).

Data can be obtained over the phone, through phishing files/websites, or via stealer-type malware. Information of interest may include log-in credentials (e.g., emails, social media, e-commerce, money transferring, online banking, cryptocurrency wallets, etc.), personally identifiable details (e.g., ID card details, passport scans/photos, etc.), and finance-related data (e.g., banking account details, credit card numbers, etc.).

In most cases, cyber criminals continue the pretense of performing tech support services and present victims with exorbitant bills or fees. It is worth mentioning that successfully scammed victims can get targeted repeatedly.

Difficult-to-trace methods are usually used for the funds transfer, e.g., cryptocurrencies, gift cards, pre-paid vouchers, cash hidden in packages and shipped, etc. These methods diminish the possibility of persecuting the criminals and of victims returning their funds.

In summary, users deceived by "Ransomware EXE.01092-1_Alert" or similar scams can experience system infections, data loss, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Should it be impossible to close a deceptive site, end the browser's process using Windows Task Manager. When reassessing your browser, do not restore the previous browsing session since it includes the scam page.

In case you have allowed cyber criminals to access your device remotely – you must first disconnect it from the Internet. Afterward, remove the remote access program that the criminals used, as they may not need your consent to reconnect. Once that is done, perform a complete system scan with an anti-virus and remove all detected threats.

If you have provided your log-in credentials to scammers – change the passwords of all possibly compromised accounts and inform their official support. If you have disclosed personally-identifiable or finance-related data – immediately contact the appropriate authorities.

Threat Summary:

Name	"Ransomware EXE.01092-1_Alert" pop-up
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Fake Claim	Device is infected with trojan/ransomware and personal/financial data is at risk.
Disguise	Microsoft
Tech Support Scammer Phone Number	+1 (866) 777-1016, +1 (806) 576- 4580
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. ▼ 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.

Technical support scam examples

We have investigated thousands of online scams; "Your Security Is Not Up-To-Date", "Operating System Blocked Due To Questionable Activity", "Critical Error IP Threat Detected", "Your Google Account Has Been Locked!", and "Subscription Renewed Successfully For 349$" are merely some examples of tech support schemes.

The Internet is full of deceptive and malicious online content. Therefore, we strongly recommend exercising caution while browsing.

How did I open a scam website?

Scam webpages are primarily accessed via redirects generated by sites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware.

Rogue websites can force-open deceptive pages upon access or when hosted content is interacted with (e.g., clicking text input fields, buttons, links, ads, etc.). Adware can display advertisements promoting scams or force-open webpages running them. Spam in general (e.g., emails, DMs/PMs, SMSes, social media posts, notifications, etc.) is used to endorse online scams.

How to avoid visiting scam websites?

We advise against visiting/using websites that offer pirated content or other questionable services (e.g., illegal streaming/downloading, Torrenting, etc.) since these pages are usually monetized via rogue advertising networks. We recommend paying attention to URLs and entering them with care.

To avoid receiving undesirable browser notifications – do not permit suspicious webpages to display them (i.e., do not click "Allow", "Allow Notifications", etc.). Instead, deny notification delivery from such pages (i.e., select "Block", "Block Notifications", etc.) or ignore these requests altogether.

Another recommendation is to exercise caution with incoming emails and other messages. Attachments or links present in dubious/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be malicious.

To prevent bundled/hazardous content from infiltrating the device – download only from official/trustworthy sources and treat installations with care (e.g., read terms, explore available options, use "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.).

If your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate all threats.

Text presented in "Ransomware EXE.01092-1_Alert" scam's topmost pop-up:

Microsoft® Support Center

Dangerous Ransomware EXE.01092-1_Alert Financial Information Compromised

This Device Has been Infected With Trojan:Slocker,
Your Personal And Financial Information Is At Major Risk.
Please Call Microsoft Support Center Immediately To Stop This Dangerous Ransomware.

Call Microsoft Support +1 (866) 777-1016

The appearance of "Ransomware EXE.01092-1_Alert" pop-up scam (GIF):

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Quick menu:

• What is "Ransomware EXE.01092-1_Alert" pop-up?
• 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?

The term "pop-up scam" encompasses deceptive content intended to trick users into performing specific actions. For example, victims can be deceived into making monetary transactions, disclosing personal information, calling fake support lines, allowing scammers to access their devices remotely, purchasing products, subscribing to services, downloading/installing software, etc.

What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?

Like most scams, those that utilize pop-ups are designed to generate revenue. Cyber criminals profit primarily by acquiring funds through deception, selling or abusing private data, promoting content (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.), and proliferating malware.

Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?

Pop-up scams are hosted on deceptive webpages. Most visitors access them via redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware.

I cannot exit a scam page, how do I close it?

End the browser's process by using Windows Task Manager. Do not restore the previous browsing session when reaccessing the browser, as that will reopen the scam page.

I have allowed cyber criminals to remotely access my computer, what should I do?

First, disconnect the device from the Internet. Second, remove the remote access software that the scammers used (e.g., UltraViewer, TeamViewer, AnyDesk, etc.), as they may not need your permission to reconnect. Last, perform a full system scan with an anti-virus and remove all detected threats.

I have provided my personal information when tricked by a pop-up scam, what should I do?

If you have provided your log-in credentials – change the passwords of all potentially exposed accounts and inform their official support without delay. However, if the disclosed information was of a different personal nature (e.g., ID card details, passport photos/scans, credit card numbers, etc.) – immediately contact relevant authorities.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams and the malware they proliferate?

Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting rogue, deceptive/scam, and malicious websites. Hence, when a scanned page falls under these categories – the user is warned, and further access to the site is blocked. Furthermore, Combo Cleaner can detect and eliminate most of the known malware infections. It must be mentioned that performing a complete system scan is crucial since high-end malicious software typically hides deep within systems.

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