“Malicious Pornographic Spyware/Riskware Detected” – a fake message created by cyber criminals

“Malicious Pornographic Spyware/Riskware Detected” is a technical support scam[1] that is aimed to trick users into calling a specific phone number in order to fix computer-related problems. Scammers create threatening messages on compromised websites and use adware programs to redirect users to them. As soon as users accidentally install some potentially unwanted program (PUP), his or her browser might start redirects to misleading tech support website.
| Name | Malicious Pornographic Spyware/Riskware Detected |
|---|---|
| Type | Technical support scam |
| Distribution | Adware, malicious ads, compromised websites |
| Targeted OS | Windows |
| Phone number | 1-888-326-5882 |
| Purpose | Trick people into calling fake Microsoft help line |
| Other symptoms | Redirects to suspicious websites, increased amounts of ads and pop-ups on the browser |
| Elimination | To uninstall Malicious Pornographic Spyware/Riskware Detected” adware, install FortectIntego and run a full system scan |
“Malicious Pornographic Spyware/Riskware Detected” virus typically redirects users to s3.amazonaws.com or storage.googleapis.com sites that displays fake Microsoft alert. Microsoft-related scams[2] comprises the majority of all tech support scams. The reason for such tendency is simple – users react to Microsoft or Windows alerts more sensitively convinced that related notifications are genuine.

Creators of this technical support scam use psychological terror and want to make people believe their computers were infected by malicious pornographic spyware. Due to the infection, their sensitive information and credit card details might be in danger. However, only Microsoft support line can protect from the damage. However, we want to warn that the following alert is not legitimate:
Microsoft Warning Alert
Malicious Pornographic Spyware/Riskware Detected
Error # 0xx90025ee9
Please call us immediately at: 1-888-326-5882
Do not ignore this critical alert.
If you close this page, your computer access will be disabled to prevent further damage to our network.
Your computer has alerted us that it has been infected with a Pornographic Spyware and risk ware. The following information is being stolen:
> Financial Data
> Facebook Logins
> Credit Card Details
> Email Account Logins
> Photos stored on this computer
You must contact us immediately so that our expert engineers can walk you though the removal process over the phone to protect your identity.. Please call us within the next 5 minutes to prevent your computer from being disabled or from any information loss.
In order to grant more reliability, a specific error code 0xx90025ee9 is indicated as well. However, this error message is just a creation of people standing behind malicious pornographic spyware/riskware detected scam. Even if you have recently visited adult-oriented websites, we can ensure that this error does not warn cyber infection on your computer.

Researchers from NoVirus.uk[3] report that pornographic spyware alert has a couple different versions. They might use other phone numbers and give another error code. Despite these minor changes, the aim of the hoax remains the same. Therefore, if you receive an unknown error code or suggestion to call some support service, you should always look up for more information online.
Online forums are full of people questions what is pornographic spyware and is this alert sent by Microsoft. Victims of various scams also share their stories how these scammers took advantage of them. Typically, these cyber threats are created for these reasons:
- Convincing users into installing TeamViewer or another program enabling remote access in order to gain access to user’s computer.
- Selling useless or corrupted security programs that are expensive.
- Tricking users into installing an obfuscated antivirus that is actually malware or spyware.[4]
- Obtaining credit card details and other sensitive information.

Frightened that their credit card credentials and personal data will be leaked, might follow the predetermined scenario of the scammers. Instead of wasting time and money on such felonies, instead, proceed to “Malicious Pornographic Spyware/Riskware Detected” removal.
Luckily, this particular scam can be easily terminated. You can simply exit it by clicking on Prevent this page from creating additional dialogues. Then, scan the device with malware elimination tool, such as FortectIntego or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. It will help you also remove “Malicious Pornographic Spyware/Riskware Detected.”

Redirects to technical support scam website usually begin after adware infiltration
This tech support scam works mainly through the adware scripts placed on movie streaming, torrent sharing domains and similar domains overcrowded with links and ads. Clicking on a certain link may trigger the installation of the ad-supported application.
Such adware/malware temporarily paralyzes the website. In order to exit the web page, clicking on the exit button is not sufficient. Click on the earlier mentioned button. Let us assure that no serious spyware nor data-stealing viruses have corrupted your computer.

Additionally, adware which is responsible for redirecting to scam website might travel in software bundles and sneak into the system if users do not pay attention to the installation of freeware. The hijack might happen when users rely on Quick/Recommended settings. To avoid such problems, it’s important to use Advanced/Custom settings and follow the instructions attentively.
“Malicious Pornographic Spyware/Riskware Detected” removal instructions
In spite of the alarming content of such scam, you can easily remove “Malicious Pornographic Spyware/Riskware Detected” virus. You can opt rather for an optimal solution – automatic elimination. Scan the infected computer and let your chosen anti-malware program to clean all adware-related components.
However, if you feel skilled enough, you can opt for the automatic “Malicious Pornographic Spyware/Riskware Detected” removal. For more information, please check the instructions presented below. But if redirects to scam site reappear, we highly recommend using security software.
Uninstall from Windows
Uninstall from Windows 10/8:
- Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.

Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.

Remove the unwanted program:
- In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
- If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.

Delete from macOS
Remove the unwanted application:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).

Delete leftover files and folders:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
- Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.

- Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.
Reset Internet Explorer
Remove dangerous add-ons:
- Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
- Pick Manage Add-ons.
- You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.

Change your homepage if it was altered:
- Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
- Select Internet Options.
- In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
- Click Apply and then select OK.

Delete temporary files:
- Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
- Under Browsing history, click Delete...
- Select relevant fields and press Delete.

Reset Internet Explorer:
- Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
- Select Reset.
- In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.

Remove from Microsoft Edge
Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:
- Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
- From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
- Click Remove.

Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.

Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.
Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:
- Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
- Select Details tab.
- Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.

Instructions for Chromium-based Edge
Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.

Clear cache and site data:
- Click on Menu and go to Settings.
- Select Privacy, search and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Under Time range, pick All time.
- Select Clear now.

Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- On the left side, pick Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their default values.
- Confirm with Reset.
- This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.

Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
- Select Add-ons.
- In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.

Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Settings.
- Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.
Clear cookies and site data:
- Click Menu and pick Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security section.
- Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
- Click on Clear Data...
- Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.

Reset Mozilla Firefox
If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
- Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.

- Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
- Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.

Remove from Google Chrome
Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
- In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.

Clear cache and web data from Chrome:
- Click on Menu and pick Settings.
- Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
- Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
- Click Clear data.

Change your homepage:
- Click menu and choose Settings.
- Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
- Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.
Reset Google Chrome:
If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
- Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
- Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm with Reset settings.

Delete from Safari
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
- Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.

Clear history and website data:
- Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
- Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.

Reset Safari:
- Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
- Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.

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