System Security might trick users that their computers are infected with viruses

System Security is the name used for describing three different cyber threats: rogue anti-spyware software,[1] adware programs, and technical support scam. All of these malicious applications might be distributed with freeware or shareware and enter the system without asking user’s permission.
Nevertheless, these cyber parasites are different, all of them targets Windows OS. Any versions of the operating system are immune to them. However, it doesn’t matter which variant of the malware affected your PC or laptop; you should remove System Security immediately. The best way to eliminate cyber threats is to use malware removal tools, such as FortectIntego.
System Security virus pretends to be a legit anti-spyware
System Security is a shady anti-spyware program that acts like a scareware.[2] This rogue software is spreading in freeware packages and questionable file-sharing sites since 2008. Once it gets into the system, it starts running system scans and providing fake results.
The purpose of the System Security virus is to trick users into purchasing program’s license. The free version of the software works as a scanner that detects numerous cyber threats on the computer. However, the program might identify legit system process, such as C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe dangerous.
Additionally, it might provide numerous security alerts that warn about detected viruses, such as Spyware.IEMonster or Lsas.Blaster.Keyloger. These notifications redirects to the website that offers to obtain program’s key to clean the computer. However, it’s not needed because detected infections are not real.
If suspicious security alerts started popping up on the screen out of nowhere, you should uninstall System Security. It’s a useless program that does not bring any benefits to the users and cannot protect or clean your PC.
Nasty adware program delivers fake system security alters
Another version of the virus works as an adware that displays fake security alerts in pop-ups. System Security tool also spreads in software packages and can get inside inattentive users’ computers unnoticed.
On the affected device, System Security redirect virus makes several changes to Windows OS and targeted web browsers in order to display misleading pop-ups. The message tells that computer has been infected. As a result user’s device and privacy are at risk. Victims are supposed to call fake technical support staff via 1-800-754-3403 and tell the error code 0x000007c.
Cybercriminals might trick users into purchasing useless security software, trick them into revealing personal and banking information or install remote access tools. Therefore, making this call might not only increase your phone’s bill but lead to malware attack, money loss or identity theft.

Do not get tricked by Microsoft-themed System Security scam
Similarly to the previously discussed version of the System Security malware, this one also operates as technical support scam. Redirect to “Microsoft System Security Alert” scam website might be triggered by an adware program or potentially dangerous sites, for instance, adult-themed or gaming.
The “Microsoft System Security Alert” virus delivers a pop-up that tells that one of the recent visits to a particular website may have ended up with malware installation:
Microsoft System Security Alert
Oops!! Something went wrong with your Windows
Dear Windows User,
The Website you have recently visited may have downloaded the Malware and Virus on your Windows system.
Microsoft Defender is Suspicious about your Windows System Security.
Your TCP Connection was blocked by Your Windows Security System. Your Windows and Chrome has been locked until we may hear from you to immediately fix this issue. Please contact Microsoft Windows Help Desk Customer Support: +1-866-317-8835 (TOLL-FREE)
Computer users are advised not to fall for such scams and bear in mind that Windows Defender does not deliver security alerts in the browser, and Microsoft does not have phone support line for Windows users. However, if you are repeatedly redirected to technical support scam website, you should scan the device with anti-malware to remove System Security notification created by cybercriminals.
Distribution methods of the malware
Even though System Security has several version, all of them spread using the same bundling method. This software marketing strategy is widely used by developers of potentially unwanted or dangerous programs. It allows taking advantage of inattentive computer users.
The malicious application might be included as an optional component in software packages and hidden under Quick or Standard installation settings. These setups do not openly disclose about third-party apps. However, if you rely on them, you give indirect permission to additional apps to get installed.
To avoid System Security hijack and other undesired apps, you should always opt for Advanced or Custom setup and follow the instructions carefully. If you see pre-selected programs, unmark them all. Security experts from Bedynet[3] point out that most of them will not do any good to you and your PC.
Uninstall System Security entirely
The best way to remove System Security is to obtain a reputable security program and run a full system scan. It will identify if you are dealing with rough anti-spyware, adware or other suspicious application and stop its activities.
Of course, you can try manual System Security removal too. However, you will have to investigate the system and uninstall malicious programs, files and other components yourself. Virus-related entries might be not only installed to the system, but web browser’s as well. For this reason, you should reset them too.
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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