Pornographic virus alert from Microsoft: what it is and how to remove it

From our report of Jan 2021 · not reviewed since

More from our earlier report on Pornographic virus alert from Microsoft

• McAfee has Blocked your Windows
• VIRUS ALERT FROM APPLE This computer is BLOCKED Do not close this window and restart your computer Your computer's registration key is Blocked.
• Why we blocked your computer?
• The mac's registration key is illegal.
• This mac is using pirated software.
• This mac is sending virus over the internet.
• This mac is hacked or used undefined location.
• We block this computer for your security.
• Contact apple helpline to reactivate your computer.

From our report of Jan 2021 · not reviewed since

A pornographic virus alert from Microsoft is the technique used by criminals to lure money from people or trick them into installing any useless software

Pornographic virus alert from Microsoft is a scam that uses social engineering in order to make users believe that their computers were found to be infected with viruses by Microsoft and, because of that, been locked.

The message is usually presented in a pop-up and can be encountered on Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, or any other browser. Typically, users are presented with the virus alert from Microsoft pop-up because of adware.

The alert from Microsoft virus claims that the computer of the site visitor has been blocked due to a computer infection from a porn site. Users are prompted to call fake tech support at (888) 732-1022, (888) 731-102, or any other number for help.

As evident, the alert has nothing to do with Microsoft, viruses, or pornographic sites, as it is simply a scam engineered to make users provide remote access to their machine or pay for fake tech support services.

Just like VIRUS ALERT FROM MICROSOFT, this virus alert from Microsoft is a tech support scam that can lead you to numerous issues, e.g., identity theft, money loss, the loss of personal information, and similar problems. After receiving a call from you, threat actors typically try to get remote access to your computer system by installing the Team Viewer or similar remote access software.

The fake pop-up may appear after you install a potentially unwanted program (PUP) on your system. In most cases, such intruders spread around unnoticed because of the bundling method used to fill freeware installers with optional components and earn some money from it. As a result, the PUP hiding behind "Pornographic virus alert from Microsoft" modifies web browsers to start showing one of these scams and fake alerts:

Just like these tech support scams, the alert warns its victim that the computer system was infected due to unsafe adult website browsing. As a solution, the scammers suggest calling a provided phone number, which is claimed to be from Microsoft.

Additionally, Pornographic threat alert threatens its victims that there is a risk of having financial and other sensitive data exposed due to malware hiding inside the Windows computer system:

However, we want to warn you that an alert from Microsoft is a fake warning that uses deception to extort money or information, so you should not fall for it.

When dealing with various notifications and messages online, be aware that a legitimate company would never provide a contact number after "a scan." For example, a legitimate message from Microsoft would only include an error code without tech support contact numbers.

Cybercriminals are using the Microsoft logo as a tool to improve the credibility of the alert from Microsoft scams and is only one part of the social engineering attack. Additionally, web browser notifications can sometimes successfully mimic legitimate pop-ups, so don't get tricked by that.

"Pornographic virus alert from Microsoft" typically causes the pop-up message on the web browser. Sometimes it might lock the window and not let you leave it, so you might have to call up the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and shut down the process of Chrome, Firefox, or another web browser through there.

If you have been experiencing the scam frequently, even when you are browsing via safe websites, you need to carefully check your computer system for the potentially unwanted program. To remove the threat completely, check your recently installed applications and uninstall every suspicious app from the unknown developer.

Additionally, you will have to clean your web browsers to get rid of browser helper objects (BHOs), add-ons, extensions, plugins, etc. A detailed guide is provided at the end of this post.

The false alert from Microsoft can be deleted via malware removal. The process is difficult, so it can also be performed automatically. If you are a less-experienced user, we suggest detecting potentially unwanted applications and similar content by using anti-malware tools. To get rid of all suspicious components, use or . will restore your system to its previous state by fixing the damage and fixing corrupted system corrupted files.

• Your browser has been blocked
• Unlock this Page to Continue!
• YOUR DEVICE HAS BEEN BLOCKED
• Microsoft Has Blocked the Computer

From our report of Jan 2021 · not reviewed since

A scam aimed at macOS and iOS users

The alert from Apple is yet another scam that is aimed at Mac users and is just a version of its Microsoft counterpart.

Malicious actors often use popular brands and well-known names within the industry in order to make false claims look more legitimate.

However, just as with the original version, Pornographic virus alert from Apple is also aimed at making gullible people install malicious software, steal their personal information, or make them pay for fake tech support services. The culprit of redirects to sites that show warning from Apple pop-up messages is most certain adware - one of the most popular Apple device infections.

Here's what the compiled text one a random malicious site that displays the alert from Apple pop-up states:

In the background of the malicious page that displays the alert from Apple, crooks also include smiling individuals with Apple logo t-shirts, a contact number, and even more notifications about a blocked computer and alleged misdoings of the Mac owner.

If looking closely, you should see that the Pornographic virus alert from Apple is incorporated within a web browser tab - be it Safari, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox. Additionally, Apple, just like Microsoft, does not inform users about threats, stolen information, malicious activity, or any other similar things for that matter.

Please ignore these warnings and close down the malicious webpage that displays it. Do not worry about your personal information and cyber infections - simply scan your machine with anti-malware software to ensure that it is adware-free.

From our report of Jan 2021 · not reviewed since

PUPs are often bundled along with other apps you can find on third-party sites

According to computer experts from NoVirus.uk, potentially unwanted content can easily enter your computer system if you lack cautiousness while browsing the Internet sphere.

What you have to do is always be at least one eye on your Internet security and the other one on your work. For clearer information, you should:

• Avoid visiting questionable sites. P2P networks and other similar websites are very likely to distribute potentially unwanted content and even malware. For example, such components can get injected into hyperlinks or even ads.
• Use the Custom installation mode only. Do not opt for any Quick or Recommended configuration as it is not the best idea while downloading software and various content from the Internet. The Quick mode will not prevent suspicious content from slipping in the system while using the Custom mode you will be able to track and control all incoming downloads.
• Never skip downloading/installing steps. If you have decided to perform downloads and installations on your own, note that you will need to pay attention to each step and make sure that none of them are skipped or completed incorrectly.
• Install anti-malware protection. Having an antivirus program on your computer system is one of the best choices you can make regarding the computer security sphere. If you keep the software always updated, it will ensure that no threats enter the system without the user's knowledge.

From our report of Jan 2021 · not reviewed since

Main dangers caused by the virus alert from Microsoft scam

It is very important that you get rid of the potentially unwanted program that is triggering redirects to scam sites on your web browser.

In case you call the provided number, you might get tricked into subscribing to useless services; also, you may receive a surprisingly high phone bill due to the premium rate of the number you called.

Additionally, you can also become a victim of identity theft after letting hackers connect to your computer system remotely to "fix" the detected issues. Pornographic virus alert from Microsoft developers might install a bogus computer cleaning tool and convince you to purchase its full license as well, resulting in money loss.

Finally, there is also a high possibility that threat actors will try to use Pornographic threat alert from Microsoft scam to gather your personal details only to use it for illegitimate purposes later (targeted scam campaigns, fraud, etc.).

Once contacted the given number, you might be urged to reveal some private data about yourself or your computer system. Additionally, they might install data-stealing malware on your system, resulting in your account credential compromise.