What is Cloud Storage Email Scam – Protection & Removal
If you have received an email claiming that your cloud storage account is full, compromised, or requires urgent verification, you may be facing a Cloud Storage Email Scam. Read this article to find out how this scam works, how it may be linked to malware infections, and what you can do to protect your system and sensitive data.
The Cloud Storage Email Scam is a phishing-based cyberattack in which threat actors impersonate well-known cloud service providers. These emails often appear legitimate, using branding, logos, and professional language to trick users into trusting them. The messages typically urge recipients to click a link to “secure” their account, upgrade storage, or review suspicious activity.
While many of these scams focus on credential harvesting, some campaigns go further by redirecting users to compromised or malicious websites that may deliver malware. This makes the threat not only a phishing risk but also a potential entry point for trojans, spyware, or other malicious software.
Cloud Storage Email Scam Short Overview
| Type | Scam, Browser Hijacker, Redirect, PUP |
| Short Description | A suspicious website that steals data and causes redirects. |
| Symptoms | Unwanted pop-ups may start appearing while you are browsing the web. A browser hijacker may be downloaded without your knowledge. |
| Removal Time | Approximately 15 minutes for a full-system scan |
| Removal Tool |
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How Did I Get the Cloud Storage Email Scam?
Receiving a Cloud Storage scam email usually means that your email address has been exposed or targeted by attackers. This does not necessarily indicate that your device is already infected, but it does suggest that your contact information is circulating in spam or phishing databases.
Common ways attackers obtain email addresses include:
- Data breaches affecting online platforms and services.
- Leaked email lists sold on cybercriminal marketplaces.
- Publicly available contact information on websites or social media.
- Subscription forms or phishing pages that collect user data.
These campaigns are often distributed in bulk, targeting thousands or even millions of users at once, often as part of malspam operations. However, some attacks may be more targeted, especially if the attackers believe the victim uses specific cloud services.
In more advanced scenarios, users may receive highly personalized emails that include their name or partial account details, increasing the likelihood of engagement through phishing techniques.
What Does the Cloud Storage Email Scam Do?
The primary objective of the Cloud Storage Email Scam is to deceive users into taking actions that compromise their accounts or devices. Depending on the variant, the scam may involve phishing, malware delivery, or both through a hidden malicious payload.
Typical malicious behaviors include:
- Redirecting users to fake login pages that steal usernames and passwords.
- Prompting downloads of malicious files disguised as documents or updates, often as a malicious attachment.
- Installing malware through exploit kits hosted on compromised websites.
- Capturing sensitive data such as personal files, payment information, or credentials.
- Using stolen accounts to distribute further phishing emails.
In malware-related cases, clicking the link may initiate the download of a trojan or loader that installs additional threats in the background. These payloads may include keyloggers, information stealers, or remote access tools that give attackers control over the infected system, often communicating with a C&C server.
Some scam pages also attempt to abuse browser notification permissions, allowing attackers to send continuous malicious prompts and malicious redirect users to other dangerous domains.
Additionally, compromised cloud storage accounts can be used to host malicious files or distribute phishing links, further amplifying the attack chain and aiding data collection efforts.
How to Remove It
Removing threats associated with the Cloud Storage Email Scam requires both system cleanup and account security measures. Even if no malware is immediately detected, it is important to assume that your data may have been exposed to malware if you interacted with the scam.
Key actions include:
- Deleting the suspicious email and avoiding any further interaction.
- Running a full system scan with a trusted anti-malware solution.
- Removing any downloaded files or applications related to the scam.
- Checking browser extensions and removing unknown or suspicious add-ons such as a browser extension.
- Revoking permissions granted to suspicious websites, including notifications.
If you have entered login credentials, immediately change your passwords for the affected accounts and any other accounts using the same credentials after a possible phishing attack.
It is also advisable to enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access and malware-related breaches.
Monitoring your cloud storage account for unusual activity, such as unknown file uploads or login attempts, is essential after a potential compromise caused by malware.
What Should You Do?
The Cloud Storage Email Scam highlights the importance of vigilance when dealing with unsolicited emails, especially those involving urgent account issues and potential phishing attempts. Always verify the authenticity of any message before clicking links or downloading attachments.
Legitimate cloud service providers typically do not request sensitive information through email links. If you receive such a message, access your account directly through the official website or app instead of using embedded links that may lead to a malicious redirect.
Maintaining strong cybersecurity habits, such as using unique passwords, enabling MFA, and keeping software up to date, can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to such scams and malware.
If you suspect that your system or account has been compromised, take immediate action to secure your data and remove any potential threats. Follow the removal instructions provided below to ensure complete protection and recovery from malware.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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- Mac OS X
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- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
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- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Cloud Storage Email Scam from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Cloud Storage Email Scam with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Cloud Storage Email Scam 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Cloud Storage Email Scam 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 Cloud Storage Email Scam 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 Cloud Storage Email Scam (Windows).
Get rid of Cloud Storage Email Scam from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Cloud Storage Email Scam 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 Cloud Storage Email Scam. 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 Cloud Storage Email Scam 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 Cloud Storage Email Scam files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Cloud Storage Email Scam, 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 Cloud Storage Email Scam (Mac)
Remove Cloud Storage Email Scam 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 Cloud Storage Email Scam 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 Cloud Storage Email Scam 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 Cloud Storage Email Scam 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 Cloud Storage Email Scam will be removed.
Eliminate Cloud Storage Email Scam 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".
Cloud Storage Email Scam-FAQ
What Is Cloud Storage Email Scam?
The Cloud Storage Email Scam 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 Cloud Storage Email Scam?
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 Cloud Storage Email Scam?
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 Cloud Storage Email Scam Work?
Once installed, Cloud Storage Email Scam 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.
Cloud Storage Email Scam 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 Cloud Storage Email Scam 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 Cloud Storage Email Scam Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Cloud Storage Email Scam 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 Cloud Storage Email Scam?
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 Cloud Storage Email Scam threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.