Another rogue antivirus program, this time copying Norton antivirus software has been reported to scare off users into calling the number 1-888-262-9519. Cyber-criminals have no limits or borders regarding how they will infect users, and they are showing it by letting programs like the Fake Norton Security Scan to slip past the defenses of user PCs and display false detections to lure users in an “expensive” tech support scam. In addition to that, the software may use system resources and make the affected machine behave unnaturally and even freeze at times. This is why users are given recommendations to remove the Fake Norton Security Scan software from their computers, instructions for which you can find in this article.
Threat Summary
Name | Fake Norton Security Scan |
Type | Rogue Software/Tech Support Scam |
Short Description | The software acts as a real antivirus but displays false detectons. |
Symptoms | Advertising, slow PC, pops up interruptively with fake scans.. |
Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundle Packages, via other uwnanted programs or malware. |
Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Fake Norton Security Scan. |
Fake Norton Security Scan – Distribution
The fraudulent Norton security scanning software has been reported by users to exhibit different behavior when it comes to its distribution. Usually, the different methods by which it can be situated on your computer have something in common. This is the aim to slither while remaining unnoticed by you, the user. There are various methods for this. The most widely known one is via a Trojan horse that Is oriented into downloading potentially unwanted programs(PUPs) on the victims’ computers. This is a very widely used malware scheme to replicate different programs for profit. The profit may be either via pay-per-click and advertising schemes or in the case of Fake Norton Security Scan – tech support scam.
Another method of distribution is believed to be the usage of bundled installers that conceal the Fake Norton Security Scan program in one of the installation steps of the Advanced or Custom installation options. The program may pretend to be added “As a free extra” in an “I agree” type of installation steps, fooling the fast-clicking users into skipping it.
Fake Norton Security Scan – In Detail
As soon as the fake software is installed on your computer, It may situate multiple files in the following Windows folders:
- %Program Files% or %Program Files(x86)%
- %System Drive%
- %Local%
- %AppData%
- %Roaming%
- %User’s Profile%
- %Windows%
In addition to this, Fake Norton Security Scan may also begin to heavily modify the Windows Registry Editor, adding it’s custom registry values and keys which can make it run on system startup, prevent administrator account from removing it and allowing it to display other pop-ups and adds. Some registry entries may even allow it to pop-up randomly and interruptive.
Malware researchers classify Fake Norton Security Scan software as a rogue program that exhibits a tech support scam in it. The main reason for this is that the program pretends to be Norton and performs a fake scan only to “establish” that the computer in question is infected. Anyone who sees the below-mentioned screen should be aware that if you see the below-mentioned screen, you may have an issue at your hand, and you should act immediately:
Source:Bleeping Computer
The message is reported by Bleeping Computer to be the following:
Call Support:1-888-262-9519
Norton Fake Security Scan – What to Do Against It
In case you have this rogue software, you need to act swiftly. First, DO NOT call the number 1-888-262-9519 under any circumstances and report it to the authorities.
Then, we strongly advise to enter in safe mode and remove this program by leaving it isolated. The best way to isolate it is to break any online connection while performing the anti-malware scan. We strongly advise following the instructions after this article to remove Norton Fake Security Scan from your computer.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Fake Norton Security Scan from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Fake Norton Security Scan with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Fake Norton Security Scan and related software from Windows
Uninstall Steps for Windows 11
Uninstall Steps for Windows 10 and Older Versions
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Fake Norton Security Scan on Your PC.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Fake Norton Security Scan there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Video Removal Guide for Fake Norton Security Scan (Windows).
Get rid of Fake Norton Security Scan from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Fake Norton Security Scan and remove related files and objects
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Fake Norton Security Scan. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Fake Norton Security Scan via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove Fake Norton Security Scan files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Fake Norton Security Scan, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Video Removal Guide for Fake Norton Security Scan (Mac)
Remove Fake Norton Security Scan from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Erase Fake Norton Security Scan from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Uninstall Fake Norton Security Scan from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Remove Fake Norton Security Scan from Safari
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Fake Norton Security Scan will be removed.
Eliminate Fake Norton Security Scan from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
Fake Norton Security Scan-FAQ
What Is Fake Norton Security Scan?
The Fake Norton Security Scan threat is adware or browser redirect virus.
It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What Are the Symptoms of Fake Norton Security Scan?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.
Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.
What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like Fake Norton Security Scan?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your email passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activities with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
How Does Fake Norton Security Scan Work?
Once installed, Fake Norton Security Scan can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
Fake Norton Security Scan can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.
Is Fake Norton Security Scan Malware?
The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.
Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.
About the Fake Norton Security Scan Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Fake Norton Security Scan how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on Fake Norton Security Scan?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Fake Norton Security Scan threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.