We have detected a Trojan virus: what it is and how to remove it

From our report of Nov 2019 · outdated details corrected in October 2026

We have detected a Trojan virus - a typical browser scam that tries to intimidate users by claiming virus infections

We have detected a Trojan virus is a fake alert that users might encounter on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or any other browser.

The pop-up message claims that your computer is allegedly infected with b.TESLA_bankSTEALER, E.tre456_worm or other malware, and that immediate action is required in order to stop the devastating consequences like money and personal information disclosure to cybercriminals. In reality, We have detected a Trojan virus is nothing but a scam that should not be interacted with.

Crooks behind the scam use a well-known social engineering technique of intimidation and count on users who are less familiar with malware and computer operation techniques.

Additionally, We have detected a Trojan virus hoax also impersonates a well-known theme of Microsoft or Apple, implementing logos and web design of the tech giants. As evident, it is all fake and done to make victims believe that the party showing these fake notifications is a trusted company.

We have detected a Trojan virus prompts might be triggered upon landing on one of the predetermined websites by accident, or be redirected by adware. The latter is known to deliver users intrusive pop-ups, in-text links, deals, offers, and other ads and install without acquiring proper permission from computer owners.

Thus, while ignoring We have detected a Trojan virus alerts is the right thing to do, adware-induced redirects may need a much further investigation and actions to be taken for better online security.

Adware is usually installed with freeware/shareware applications from third-party sites - the developers incorporate optional components into installers without adequately disclosing them to end-users. This is done deliberately, as each of the installs provides profits from affiliates. Unfortunately, users then end up with potentially unwanted programs on their machines, which result in them being exposed to such online scams like We have detected a Trojan virus.

Most of the users who simply happened to stumble upon We have detected a Trojan virus scam should not pay attention to it and never download any suggest programs.

We have detected a Trojan virus removal is only needed if the adware is also involved. If PUPs are detected, they should be immediately terminated. To recover from unwanted consequences like program crashes or system slowdowns after adware infections, we suggest using .

From our report of Nov 2019 · not reviewed since

The anatomy We have detected a Trojan virus scam

We have detected a Trojan virus belongs to one of the largest scam families around - Your system is infected with 3 viruses.

This multi-stage social engineering attack usually begins with adware that directs users to potentially dangerous websites (nevertheless, some might simply land on the dangerous page by accident). In most of the cases, the domain names try to use words that are related to tech giants such as Microsoft or Apple - this is another social engineering trick.

Despite means how users end up on unsafe sites like Apple.com-mac-optimizing.live, Microsoft-live-update.com, the content remains the same, and the pop-up message that immediately shows up reads:

Because crooks behind We have detected a trojan virus scam try to impersonate Microsoft, some users might believe these fake claims. However, it is important to notice that the domain name does not, in fact, comes from Microsoft. The real website would only include "microsoft.com" without any additional words - this is simply a way to confuse less experienced users.

Upon pressing OK, users would be presented with a threatening message, claiming that multiple viruses have already infected the system and that some of it are damaged. Malicious actors also come up with bogus timers that add to tension users may experience - it creates a sense of urgency and the need to act fast.

Unfortunately, that is the worst thing that users who encounter We have detected a trojan virus scam can do, as they will be prompted to download bogus software to allegedly remove viruses found on the machine.

In most of the cases, the offered software is useless scareware that will ask you to spend money on its full license after showing you more fake scan results, claiming damage to the computer. Do not download, install, or buy this software - it is a scam, and We have detected a trojan virus fake alert is used as a means to install PUPs or malware on your machine.

While there is a low chance that your system is infected with a trojan or something even more sinister, you should perform some checks just to be sure. Thus, the following actions to be taken after encountering We have detected a Trojan virus scam:

Finally, adware or malware that induce We have detected a Trojan virus redirects might cause damage to your system, which might start crashing or showing error messages.

• Do not interact with the fake site and do not press the "Scan Now" button;
• Do not download anything suggested on the site;
• Close down the browser or the tab the malicious site content was displayed;
• Check our manual removal guide for PUPs below - you might be able to find unwanted apps installed by yourself;
• If adware or other infections are found, reset all the installed browsers.

From our report of Nov 2019 · not reviewed since

Do not get tricked by software bundle packages and avoid adware infiltration

Experts say that there are two different ways how adware might have ended up on your computer: you either installed it along with other software from third-party sites or you installed it deliberately without known that the app is ad-supported.

If the latter is the case, we advise you to read up program reviews online before downloading anything, as they can often indicate if the app engages in dodgy practices post-installation.

Whoever, in most of the cases, users install PUPs with freeware, as they rarely pay close attention to the installation process of new programs. Unfortunately, but third-parties are happy to abuse this fact and often insert optional components into a single software package. While there is nothing illegal about offering users promotions, the way it is done matters a lot.

Unsolicited installation of software is something that is considered to be malicious behavior. Nevertheless, third-parties often can disguise by claiming that all the information was presented during the installation - and, technically, they will be correct. Software bundling often uses pre-ticked boxes, deceptive deals, misplaced buttons, and other techniques to make users miss the PUP. This way, they install adware on their systems without realizing it.

To avoid that, you should always pay close attention to the installation process of third party applications - uncheck all the boxes, decline all the deals, watch out for deceptive button placements and always opt for Advanced/Custom settings. Another important step is to stay away from pirated software and cracks - these can result in such dangerous threat infections like ransomware.

From our report of Nov 2019 · not reviewed since

More from our earlier report on We have detected a Trojan virus

• Press OK to begin the repair process

From our report of Nov 2019 · not reviewed since

We have detected a Trojan virus elimination guide

We have detected a Trojan virus removal depends on whether or not your system is infected with adware.

Because PUPs travel in software bundles, you might not even be aware that your machine is affected in the first place. Nevertheless, finding the unwanted programs on the computer might be a challenge to some, especially if they use dozens of browser extensions from unknown origin or applications downloaded from less secure sites.

Note that, if your system is clean, you should simply ignore the fake alert and never install anything offered on scam sites, although keeping a reliable security tool on the system is mandatory.

After you terminate adware, you should also reset all the installed browsers, as browser setting changes initiated by adware might only be reverted that way.