“Internet Security Alert” virus. How to remove? (Uninstall guide)
Internet Security Alert – scam used to trick users into contacting the alleged Windows technical support
"Internet Security Alert" virus sends deceptive messages via victim's web browser and displays them directly on victim's computer screen. These frightening messages are designed to convince the victim call tech support scammers
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. “Internet Security Alert! Code: 055BCCAC9FEC” 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, like Red Screen Internet Security alert, are shown in bright red to scare users even more.
| Name | Internet Security Alert |
|---|---|
| Type | Adware, tech support scam |
| Colors of the fake alert | Navy blue and red screen |
| The most affected browsers | Chrome, Firefox, Edge |
| Main idea of the scam |
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| Main risks |
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| Removal | Sometimes it is hard to eliminate adware from the system because it hides under different names. The easiest way to find it – using a professional tool, like Reimage |
Usually, Internet Security Alert code 055BCCAC9FEC scam 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 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 the 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. No matter that Windows Internet Security Alert popup claims to be related to Windows Technical Support group, do not call use (866) 564-0233 telephone number to fix the “problem.”[2]
Sometimes the bogus Internet Security Alert 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)
Click 'Start -> Control Panel -> Programs and Features' (if you are 'Windows XP' user, click on 'Add/Remove Programs').
If you are 'Windows 10 / Windows 8' user, then right-click in the lower left corner of the screen. Once 'Quick Access Menu' shows up, select 'Control Panel' and 'Uninstall a Program'.
Right click on each of suspicious entries and select 'Uninstall'
Cick 'Go' and select 'Applications'
Click on every malicious entry and select 'Move to Trash'
Click on menu icon and select 'Manage add-ons'
Right click on each of malicious entries and select 'Disable'
Delete malicious URL, enter your desired domain name and click 'Apply' to save changes
Go to 'Advanced' tab and click on 'Reset' button. Now select 'Delete personal settings' and click on 'Reset' button again
Go to Settings and select 'Choose what to clear'
Select 'Clear' button
Open the start menu and select 'Task Manager'
Right-click 'Microsoft Edge' and select 'Go to details'
Select 'More details' if 'Go to details' option fails to show up
Find Microsoft Edge entries and select 'End Task'
Go to Microsoft Edge folder on your computer, right-click every entry and click 'Delete'
Find Windows PowerShell, right-click it and select 'Run as administrator'
Copy and paste a required command and press 'Enter'
Click on menu icon and select 'Add-ons'
Select 'Extensions' and look for malicious entries. Click 'Remove' to get rid of each of them
Click on menu icon and then on '?'. Select 'Troubleshooting Information'
Click on 'Reset Firefox' button for a couple of times
Click on menu icon. Select 'Tools' and 'Extensions'
Look for malicious entries and delete each of them by clicking on the Trash bin icon
When in 'Settings', select 'Manage search engines...'
Click 'X' to remove malicious URLs
When in 'Settings', scroll down to 'Reset browser settings' button and click on it
Click on 'Reset' button to complete your removal
Click on 'Safari' and select 'Preferences'
Go to 'Extensions' and uninstall malicious add-ons
Click on 'Safari' and select 'Reset Safari...'
Select all options and click on 'Reset' button
Beware that the malicious Internet Security Alert code 055BCCAC9FEC 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 and take care of Internet Security Alert red screen removal. Additionally, we suggest you used Reimage 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 get rid of Internet Security Alert popup 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 Internet Security alert – just another variant of the scam
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 Internet Security 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.
Red Screen Internet Security alert shows up in red color and prompts users to call the provided 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 Internet Security alert 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:
- Shopping coupons;
- Gambling sites;
- Adult dating websites;
- 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 Windows Internet Security Alert attack:
Bad actors are relying on some users' trust to scam them.
- Keep your security software regularly updated in order to eliminate vulnerabilities that hacker use to develop various types of adware, malware, spyware, etc.;
- Never submit your credit card or bank account details;
- Avoid clicking malicious ads and never agree to install plug-ins from unrecognized developers;
- Download applications only from verified distributors and use the direct link if possible;
- Never skip steps of download/installation process since some of the potentially unwanted programs are hidden among the “optional components” of regular applications;
Internet Security Alert removal can be completed using one of two methods
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 Internet Security Alert 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 Windows Internet Security Alert scam 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 Red screen Internet Security Alert 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.
You can remove virus damage automatically with a help of one of these programs: Reimage, Malwarebytes MalwarebytesCombo Cleaner, Plumbytes Anti-MalwareMalwarebytes Malwarebytes. We recommend these applications because they detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
To remove “Internet Security Alert” virus, follow these steps:
Delete “Internet Security Alert” from Windows systems
Use the provided instructions to clean up your Windows computer from questionable applications. Please delete every suspicious entry to entirely kill fake ads on your computer.
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Click Start → Control Panel → Programs and Features (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
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If you are Windows 10 / Windows 8 user, then right-click in the lower left corner of the screen. Once Quick Access Menu shows up, select Control Panel and Uninstall a Program.
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Uninstall “Internet Security Alert” and related programs
Here, look for “Internet Security Alert” or any other recently installed suspicious programs. -
Uninstall them and click OK to save these changes.
Uninstall “Internet Security Alert” from Mac OS X system
To get rid of the red screen alert from Mac OS X, rely on the following steps. You need to find adware-type programs on the system and uninstall them from there.
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If you are using OS X, click Go button at the top left of the screen and select Applications.
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Wait until you see Applications folder and look for “Internet Security Alert” or any other suspicious programs on it. Now right click on every of such entries and select Move to Trash.
Eliminate “Internet Security Alert” from Internet Explorer (IE)
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Remove dangerous add-ons
Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top right corner of the browser and choose Manage Add-ons. -
You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for “Internet Security Alert” and other suspicious plugins. Disable these entries by clicking Disable:
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Change your homepage if it was altered by virus:
Click on the gear icon (menu) on the top right corner of the browser and select Internet Options. Stay in General tab. -
Here, remove malicious URL and enter preferable domain name. Click Apply to save changes.
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Reset Internet Explorer
Click on the gear icon (menu) again and select Internet options. Go to Advanced tab. - Here, select Reset.
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When in the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset again to complete “Internet Security Alert” removal.
Remove “Internet Security Alert” virus from Microsoft Edge
To fix Edge and eliminate this scam from the web browser, you need to follow the guide given below.
Reset Microsoft Edge settings (Method 1):
- Launch Microsoft Edge app and click More (three dots at the top right corner of the screen).
- Click Settings to open more options.
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Once Settings window shows up, click Choose what to clear button under Clear browsing data option.
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Here, select all what you want to remove and click Clear.
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Now you should right-click on the Start button (Windows logo). Here, select Task Manager.
- When in Processes tab, search for Microsoft Edge.
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Right-click on it and choose Go to details option. If can’t see Go to details option, click More details and repeat previous steps.
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When Details tab shows up, find every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right click on each of them and select End Task to end these entries.
Resetting Microsoft Edge browser (Method 2):
If Method 1 failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method.
- Note: you need to backup your data before using this method.
- Find this folder on your computer:
C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe. -
Select every entry which is saved on it and right click with your mouse. Then Delete option.
- Click the Start button (Windows logo) and type in window power in Search my stuff line.
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Right-click the Windows PowerShell entry and choose Run as administrator.
- Once Administrator: Windows PowerShell window shows up, paste this command line after PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> and press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml -Verbose}
Once these steps are finished, “Internet Security Alert” should be removed from your Microsoft Edge browser.
WindowsMac OS XInternet ExplorerMicrosoft EdgeFirefoxGoogle ChromeSafariGet rid of “Internet Security Alert” from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
To eliminate Internet Security Alert popup from Firefox, get rid of suspicious add-ons and extensions with the following guide:
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Remove dangerous extensions
Open Mozilla Firefox, click on the menu icon (top right corner) and select Add-ons → Extensions. -
Here, select “Internet Security Alert” and other questionable plugins. Click Remove to delete these entries.
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Reset Mozilla Firefox
Click on the Firefox menu on the top left and click on the question mark. Here, choose Troubleshooting Information. -
Now you will see Reset Firefox to its default state message with Reset Firefox button. Click this button for several times and complete “Internet Security Alert” removal.
Erase “Internet Security Alert” from Google Chrome
To get rid of this alert from Chrome, we highly recommend resetting it.
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Delete malicious plugins
Open Google Chrome, click on the menu icon (top right corner) and select Tools → Extensions. -
Here, select “Internet Security Alert” and other malicious plugins and select trash icon to delete these entries.
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Click on menu icon again and choose Settings → Manage Search engines under the Search section.
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When in Search Engines..., remove malicious search sites. You should leave only Google or your preferred domain name.
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Reset Google Chrome
Click on menu icon on the top right of your Google Chrome and select Settings. -
Scroll down to the end of the page and click on Reset browser settings.
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Click Reset to confirm this action and complete “Internet Security Alert” removal.
Delete “Internet Security Alert” from Safari
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Remove dangerous extensions
Open Safari web browser and click on Safari in menu at the top left of the screen. Once you do this, select Preferences. -
Here, select Extensions and look for “Internet Security Alert” or other suspicious entries. Click on the Uninstall button to get rid each of them.
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Reset Safari
Open Safari browser and click on Safari in menu section at the top left of the screen. Here, select Reset Safari.... -
Now you will see a detailed dialog window filled with reset options. All of those options are usually checked, but you can specify which of them you want to reset. Click the Reset button to complete “Internet Security Alert” removal process.
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References
- ^ Liam Tung. Windows 10 security: Here's tech support scammers' latest ploy, says Microsoft. ZDNet. Technology News, Analysis, Comments and Product Reviews.
- ^ Tech Support Scams. Microsoft. Windows Defender Security Intelligence.
- ^ Usunwirusa. UsunWirusa. Malware and Spyware Removal Guides.
- ^ Internet Security Alert - Red Screen - Call MS Tech Support. Cnet. Tech site.