Internet Security Alert! Code: 055BCCAC9FEC is yet another tech support scam which has nothing in common with Google
Code 055BCCAC9FEC is the fake error message that appears on the browser as a full screen and displays additional pop-ups that keep the person frustrated. The primary aim is to make people scared and eager to call the technical support hotline where scammers can directly lie to the person and obtain personal information, demand payment for the service.
Internet Security Alert! Code: 055BCCAC9FEC is a fraudulent message which belongs to tech support scammers. They try to convince their victims that this message belongs to Google, Microsoft, and similar well-known companies. Typically, it shows up on the desktop while people are browsing the Internet and informs them that their computers are infected with serious malware.
Additionally, they are asked to call “Windows Technical support” at +1-833-337-6555, +1-844-592-9882, or a similar number. However, we want to stress that this number belongs to cybercriminals, and you should never use it.[1]
| Name | Code 055BCCAC9FEC |
|---|---|
| Type | Technical support scan/ adware |
| Tactics | Showing fake alerts, warning messages with errors and system issues, so the person believes and calls the technical support number or installs the suggested software |
| Symptoms | Advertisements not coming from the original site appears filling up the screen, redirects open new tabs and browser windows with fake system alerts and errors stating about damage or malware to lure people into contacting the scammers |
| Danger | Calling the technical support number may cost you a fortune, people behind the phone number, in most cases, only care for your personal data, credentials or money that can be obtained directly from you. Stolen personal information can be used in the later scam campaigns |
| Distribution | Freeware installations and deceptive sites lead to adware and PUP infiltrations. Such cyber threats cause fake errors and scam messages |
| Elimination | Perform a full scan with SpyHunterCombo Cleaner anti-malware software |
Typically redirects to scam websites start when adware is installed on the computer. This potentially unwanted program (PUP) usually gets into the system unnoticed with the help of various free downloads and initiates needed system updates. As a result, it can start showing the fake error message as soon as a user starts browsing the Internet.
The main activity of adware is to redirect victims to the technical support scam website that displays this alert:
Internet Security Alert! Code: 055BCCAC9FEC
Internet Security Alert : 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.These viruses are well known for identity and credit card theft. Further action on this computer or any other device on your network might reveal private information and involve serious risks.
Call Windows Technical Support: +1-833-337-6555 (Toll Free)
The purpose of this “Internet Security Alert” virus is to trick users into calling the provided number and following “specialists” instructions. However, people who are going to pick up the phone are not willing to help you. They might have other purposes, such as:
- Tricking you into purchasing useless security tools that are supposed to clean computers from a virus. In this way, scammers can get your credit card information or other sensitive data. Thus, it may lead to money loss or identity theft.
- Convincing you to install remote access tools in order to let “technicians” do the removal for you. In this case, criminals can install malware or spyware[2] on your computer and perform other cyberattacks in the future.
Therefore, you should NOT call the provided phone number. All the information provided by the alert is not real. The only problem your computer has is an adware infection which might be wiped out quickly with an anti-malware tool. FortectIntego or other system repair software can help with the virus damage.
We recommend not to delay Internet Security Alert Code 055BCCAC9FEC removal because the ad-supported program might also:
- display intrusive ads that include potentially dangerous or malicious content;
- trigger redirects to affiliate sites out of sudden or when you click links or buttons;
- track information about users and use it for marketing reasons;
- sell aggregated information to third-parties that might be advertising networks.
All these problems pose a danger to your privacy and make internet browsing complicated. Thus, you should remove adware causing redirects to malicious sites from your computer immediately. As we have already explained, you can do it automatically with security software. However, you can find manual removal give at the end of the article too.
The success of adware infiltration lies under bad user’s habits
The ad-supported application usually spreads in freeware or shareware packages as an optional component. Malicious application is usually presented as a useful add-on, PC optimization tool, or similar app. Thus, users who are using Advanced/Custom settings can be tricked into installing it.
However, researchers from viruss.lv[3] tell that users rarely choose to install new programs using Advanced settings. Usually, they rely on Quick/Standard settings that do not reveal additional components.
The trick is that users give indirect permission to install the whole package when using a Quick setup. Thus, these settings should not be used in order not to install unknown programs without realizing it.
Stop redirects to “Internet Security Alert! Code: 055BCCAC9FEC”
You can remove adware either manually or automatically. In the virus description, we have mentioned that automatic elimination is performed with anti-malware/anti-spyware software. However, a browser reset is also recommended to get rid of tracking cookies.
However, we are aware that not everyone wants to use additional software for PUPs removal. For this reason, our team has prepared a manual removal guide. Do not rush, and be attentive! If you leave at least one of the adware-related components, you will need to perform the procedure again.
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.
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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