How to remove “Internet Security Alert” virus

Internet Security Alert – scam used to trick users into contacting the alleged Windows technical support

Internet Security Alert is a tech support scam that you can encounter at any time while browsing the internet. While some people might face the misleading page accidentally, users who see it continuously are most likely have their PCs infected with adware. Ad-supported software is designed to show users ads, some of which might be of dubious or even malicious nature.

Also known as Code 055BCCAC9FEC, the virus tries to make victims believe that their machines are infected with “harmful viruses” and sensitive information like passwords and credit card details might be stolen. Of course, this is not true, as no virus warnings would occur on users' browsers. There are several variations of this hoax, but most appear on a blue background with a pop-up, while some versions, are shown in bright red to scare users even more. 

Usually, the scam message shows up on Windows or Mac to trick users into dialing the special number and then asking them to provide the remote access to their computer. It uses a red color and says that this service is going to fix the critical “error” on the victim's computer. At this point, we want to assure you that scammers who are working behind this scam should never get access to your computer system. 

The scam^[1] also states that your personal data, like passwords, bank account details or local hard disk files might be compromised. However, such alerts have no possibility to check the system, so you can be sure that adware is the only problem you have. Even though the message claims the alert is related to Windows Technical Support group, do not call use (866) 564-0233 telephone number to fix the “problem.”^[2] 

Sometimes the scam page uses audio voice to scare its victims even more. The message used for that states the following:

Internet Security Alert! Code: 055BCCAC9FEC

Your computer might be infected by harmful viruses. Please do not shut down or reset your computer.

The following data might be compromised if you continue:

1. Passwords
2. Browser History
3. Credit Card information
4. Local Hard Disk Files.

Call Windows Technical Support: (866) 564-0233 (Toll Free)

Beware that the malicious message on Mac or Windows is designed to promote the fake security software or deceive you into giving personal information to swindle money and generate revenue. Various suspicious websites may redirect you to such an “alert” since they distribute rogue ads and pop-ups. Even accidental clicks may be the reason why the malware infected your computer.

Be aware that Microsoft Windows neither display alerts about possible threads of your computer, nor publish their technical support number elsewhere than on their official website. Thus do not be deceived by this scam and instead of agreeing to purchase unreliable security application or submit personal information, we encourage you to scan your computer using security software to ensure that no adware is present on it. Additionally, we suggest you used FortectIntego to restore Windows Registry which might have been altered due to the infection.

In addition, the described scam pop-up is very similar to other deceptive messages that cybercriminals compose to trick unsuspecting users into calling fraudsters. One of the most prevalent ones, according to Usunwirusa.pl team^[3], are “Microsoft System Security Alert” and “Windows Security Alert.” Make sure you get rid of them by eliminating related adware right after you start seeing them. To remove adware from Microsoft Edge, Chrome, or other web browsers, check recently installed freeware and remove suspicious entries. Additionally, you should reset your web browsers to eliminate any modifications made by criminals.

Red Screen used to deceive Google Chrome users

Red Screen Internet Security alert is a variant of the scam that appears in the red-colored window and uses the same misleading techniques to scare its victims. There is barely any difference from the original fake warning. However, users may encounter two different pop-ups that accompany the scam.

The red color is known to be the one to makes people worried, so scammers opted for it to make them automatically assume that something is wrong. It is a clever psychological trick used by cybercrooks. Additionally, Red Screen alert is using scare tactics by claiming that personal information might be leaked if the PC is restarted. Having in mind numerous data leaks and breaches, there is no surprise that people are convinced into contacting hackers via the given phone number.

As usual, this is just a hoax and should not be trusted. While most users are already aware of Red Screen Internet Security alert and similar scams,^[4] there as still thousands of less computer-savvy individuals who most likely will call the number. Bad actors may, and most likely will do the following once contacted:

• Will speak in technical terms to confuse the user even more
• Will try to convince that the machine is heavily infected and needs fixing using dodgy software that they promote
• Will ask for remote access, steal personal information, or install data-tracking malware on the device
• Will prolong the conversation due to a premium number

Thus, do not be a victim of a scam – scan your machine with anti-malware tools or get rid of the PUP using our guide below. If you encountered this scam, remove Red Screen adwaret before it starts redirecting you to malicious sites. Simply close down your browser and make sure that recently opened tabs do not show up again. Next, check the system with security software to see if it infected and get rid of detected malware.

Malicious websites can trigger an installation of adware

The developers typically make considerable investments to design appealing advertisements and attract naive computer users into clicking it.

Malicious ads usually promote:

1. Shopping coupons;
2. Gambling sites;
3. Adult dating websites;
4. Unknown their party software or plug-ins.

Once the user clicks the ad, it may redirect to websites promoting malicious content or even trigger an installation of another high-risk malware. Thus, if you encounter various redirects to less than reliable pages, immediately leave the site and avoid clicking on ads in the future.

Besides, if your computer is infected with this adware, it may stealthily download other potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) or plug-ins and collect browsing-related data, such as (IP address or geolocation) and use it in designing more attractive advertisements or the ones related to your interests.

Tips to avoid being scammed online

1. Keep your security software regularly updated in order to eliminate vulnerabilities that hacker use to develop various types of adware, malware, spyware, etc.;
2. Never submit your credit card or bank account details;
3. Avoid clicking malicious ads and never agree to install plug-ins from unrecognized developers;
4. Download applications only from verified distributors and use the direct link if possible;
5. Never skip steps of download/installation process since some of the potentially unwanted programs are hidden among the “optional components” of regular applications;

Adware removal instructions

To remove Internet Security Alert virus, you can choose between two options — manual and automatic removal. However, our IT professionals highly recommend using automatic removal with security software since your computer might be infected with other malicious programs you are not aware of.

To find all suspicious components and get rid of the fake popup for good, you should run a full system scan with updated anti-spyware. Of course, don't forget to choose a reliable security program and download it from verified distributors.

Remember, cybercriminals are offering useless or over-priced security applications, so you should never trust them. Besides, they can infect your computer with malware after tricking you into thinking that the alert is real. Yet, if you have already been tricked into downloading or purchasing one, contact your bank immediately and inform about an unauthorized transaction.

If you are considering opting for manual adware removal option, use the following steps. Make sure you are very attentive while following them because, after the removal of useful system files, you may lead your computer to additional problems.