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“Windows System Security Alert” Tech Support Scam virus. How to remove? (Uninstall guide)

removal by Linas Kiguolis - - 2017-02-10 | Type: Malware

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“Windows System Security Alert” Tech Support Scam ransomware uses sophisticated techniques to infiltrate computers and hide from its victims. Use Reimage to determine whether your system is infected and prevent the loss of your files.
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Why do my browser keeps showing “Windows System Security Alert” warnings?

“Windows System Security Alert” virus is a malicious^[1] computer program that falsely informs the victim about non-existent problems on the system. Such viruses aim to scare the victim and convince him/her call tech support scammers^[2] via a provided phone number. “Windows System Security Alert” tech support scam alerts typically show up via user’s web browser. The virus opens a web browser and loads a phishing^[3] website that is full of bogus Microsoft logos and warnings. For example, such phishing pages claim that the user recently visited a website that contained malware and now the computer system is infected. Therefore, the victim “needs to contact Windows Help Desk For Immediate Support and resolve this issue at Toll-Free 1-844-826-1196.”

In this picture, you can see what kind of alerts the "Windows System Security Alert" Tech Support scam virus sends to the victim.

**Method 1. (Safe Mode method)**
Select 'Safe Mode with Networking'

**Method 1. (Safe Mode method)**
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Networking'

**Method 2. (System Restore method)**
Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'

**Method 2. (System Restore method)**
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'

**Method 2. (System Restore method)**
Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'

**Method 2. (System Restore method)**
Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'

**Method 2. (System Restore method)**
When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next'

**Method 2. (System Restore method)**
Select your restore point and click 'Next'

**Method 2. (System Restore method)**
Click 'Yes' and start system restore

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You should never call suspicious numbers provided on sites that claim there is an issue with the computer system and that “Microsoft certified technicians^[4]” can help you. Just imagine how many employees this legitimate company would need to handle all malware-related issues that Windows users encounter. This doesn’t sound realistic, so do not rush to panic. If you encountered “Windows System Security Alert” message, we suggest you run a system scan with a powerful anti-malware software like Reimage and delete the virus from the computer. If you called these scammers, they would tell you lies about your PC system and ask you to allow them to connect to your PC remotely, or even provide your credit card details. In most cases, criminals recommend buying some scareware^[5] (fake security program) that supposedly can fix issues, and they ask the victim to log into suspicious sites and provide personal information (including credit card details). Obviously, they just want to collect the sensitive information you enter and use it for a bad purpose.

How do such programs occupy computer systems?

If “Windows System Security Alert” pop-ups show up repeatedly, it means that a certain program is responsible for sending them to you. You have to find the source of these alerts and uninstall it; however, you should also educate yourself and learn how such malicious programs hijack the computer system. There are numerous ways of how “Windows System Security Alert” can get into your PC system. It can be downloaded by a Trojan that you installed in the past, it can be sent to you via email or installed alongside another program that it is bundled with. To protect your PC from unwanted programs, you should prepare a proper anti-malware defense plan, and you for sure need an anti-malware software. It is not the traditional antivirus program – it can protect your PC from a wide range of malicious programs. You should never open questionable email letters or install free programs carelessly – it is the easiest way to “invite” suspicious files to your PC.

How can I remove “Windows System Security Alert” malware?

If you are looking for the easiest way to remove “Windows System Security Alert” virus, use an automatic virus/malware removal tool. We do not provide manual removal instructions since this virus tends to hide itself under a variety of different names, so it can be hard to find it on the system. To detect the program that attempts to trick you into calling tech support scammers, run a system scan with a powerful anti-malware software. Begin the “Windows System Security Alert” removal procedure by using instructions that we prepared for you.

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If you failed to remove virus damage using Reimage, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.

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To remove “Windows System Security Alert” Tech Support Scam virus, follow these steps:

Remove “Windows System Security Alert” Tech Support Scam using Safe Mode with Networking

Restart your PC using instructions. Then start your antivirus/anti-malware/anti-spyware program and let it scan the system thoroughly. Give it a good 20 minutes (or as much as it takes to finish the scan). Delete detected files and programs. Restart your PC again and see if you can still see “Windows System Security Alert” pop-ups while browsing the Internet.

Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Networking

Windows 7 / Vista / XP
1. Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8
1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
2. Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking in Startup Settings window.
Step 2: Remove “Windows System Security Alert” Tech Support Scam

Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete “Windows System Security Alert” Tech Support Scam removal.

If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.

Remove “Windows System Security Alert” Tech Support Scam using System Restore

Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Windows 7 / Vista / XP
1. Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
3. Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8
1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
2. Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
1. Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
2. Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
3. When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of “Windows System Security Alert” Tech Support Scam. After doing that, click Next.
4. Now click Yes to start system restore.
Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with Reimage and make sure that “Windows System Security Alert” Tech Support Scam removal is performed successfully.

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from “Windows System Security Alert” Tech Support Scam and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage, Malwarebytes MalwarebytesCombo Cleaner or Plumbytes Anti-MalwareMalwarebytes Malwarebytes

About the author

Linas Kiguolis - Expert in social media

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References

^ Malicious Software - Definition . Kaspersky Internet Security Center. Cyber Security Resource for Tips, Topics and Trends.
^ Liam Tung. Microsoft: Beware this fake Windows BSOD from tech support scammers' malware. ZDNet. Technology News, Analysis, Comments and Product Reviews.
^ How to recognize phishing email messages, links, or phone calls. Microsoft Safety and Security Center.
^ Tech Support Scams – Help . Official Malwarebytes Security Blog.
^ How to identify and avoid scareware. Norton. Articles About Cybersecurity.

This entry was posted on 2017-02-10 at 03:29 and is filed under Malware, Viruses.