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  • Active
  • Severity: High
  • Malware
  • Windows
  • Verified · Dec 2016

How to remove “Windows Defender Prevented Malicious Software” Tech support scam

A step-by-step removal guide for affected devices. Follow the verified procedure below — most readers complete it in under 10 minutes.

Julie Splinters · Anti-malware specialist

Reasons why you should not trust “Windows Defender Prevented Malicious Software” alerts

Windows Defender Prevented Malicious Software virus may really scare the wits out of you if you do not have experience dealing with tech support scams. Locked screen and alert that unrecognized activity has been detected surely scare less tech-savvy netizens. However, if you take a look at certain features, you might instantly look through the deception. In this article, we will instruct how to tell the difference between a scam and a real Windows activation window [1]. If you fell into the target list as well, there is need to call any provided numbers. Instead, remove Windows Defender Prevented Malicious Software. You can use FortectIntego for that purpose.

Despite frequent publications about tech support scams and the ways to avoid them, such forms of a felony are still on a hike [2]. Crooks manage to counterfeit realistically looking Windows error messages. Unfortunately, frightening warnings of the outdated Windows version or product key still lead many users to fall for the bait. Windows Defender Prevented Malicious Software malware also uses the same technique. The forged message claims that you need to re-enter your product key in order to regain access to your computer. What is more, the scam window also includes GotoAcces, TeamViewer, and Supremo application links. Developers of this malware use these utilities for accessing your computer remotely. If you cannot find the product key and call the crooks, you might be asked to install one of the mentioned utilities. Since they are legitimate, anti-virus tools may fail to detect them as viruses.

 the image of Windows Defender Prevented Malicious Software

Afterward, when you call the indicated number, specifically, 1-877-360-0485, you will be connected to a felon who pretends to be a technician. Afterward, he will lead you through the series of steps to convince that your computer is overloaded with simultaneous processes [3]. Due to Windows Defender Prevented Malicious Software redirect, you might be directed to the forged website. Later on, the crook might ask you to fill with personal details, including your email address and credit card information. In short, such tech support scams are practical for several reasons. The crooks may obtain legitimate product keys which later on are used for activating illegal copies of Windows. Secondly, after obtaining your private information they might get access your banking accounts with the assistance of secretly placed trojan [4]. Thirdly, the developers might persuade you into purchasing a futile anti-malware removal utility. Note that such tools might mediate future hijacks. Luckily, there is a fairly useful tip for performing “Windows Defender Prevented Malicious Software” removal. Enter THTY4-89LK6-RTI23-XZTOP-05ERY to exit the lock-screen window.

How do such viruses spread?

To the surprise of most of the users, tech support scams happen to disguise as additional files along with freeware. Thus, when you dash through the settings, keep in mind that a couple of unwanted programs might await to enter your device. Even legitimate freeware might disperse potentially fraudulent tools. In order to avoid Windows Defender Prevented Malicious Software hijack in the future, make sure you opt for “Advanced” settings. Unmark unnecessary tools and proceed with the installation of the intended program. Note that tech support scams may even lurk for new victims in infected file-sharing domains. If you accidentally clicked on a corrupted link [5], you might have facilitated the hijack.

Windows Defender Prevented Malicious Software removal suggestions

Though this application may contain adware elements, we do not recommend dealing with it manually. Instead, it would be better to remove Windows Defender Prevented Malicious Software virus with the assistance of an anti-spyware application, for example, FortectIntego or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. Make sure the software is fully updated before starting the removal process. Lastly, let us give you some valuable advice how you can distinguish between a fraud and a real message. In most of the cases, the screen color of the fake alert is different than the original. What is more, the text contains grammar, style mistakes as well as typos and most importantly, a fake number of tech support specialist. If you haven’t started Windows Defender Prevented Malicious Software removal, do it now.

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