This article has been created in order to explain what is the Microsoft Warning Alert scam and how you can remove it from your computer and stop such redirects and fake errors from appearing in the future as well.
A new scam has been reported by security researchers to lock the web browsers of the computers it has been installed on. The scam has one and only purpose – to display a fake Error #268d3x8938 which is basically a pretext for the victim to call a fake tech support number, which is very likely to be a tech support scam aimed at getting victims to call and pay insane ammounts of money in order to get the scammers to pretend to fix issues on their comptuers that may not even exist. Nonetheless, security researchers often outline redirects, like the Microsoft Security Warning to likely be caused by potentially unsafe programs that display redirects and advertisements on victimized computers by them. If you see the Microsoft Warning Alert scam, it is urgent that you read this article as it aims to show you how you can remove it from your computer effectively.
Threat Summary
| Name | Microsoft Warning Alert |
| Type | Tech Support Scam/PUP |
| Short Description | Aims to scam victims over the phone for their information or money. |
| Symptoms | Your web browser is redirected to a web page that locks you in it and claims that your computer is under threat. |
| Distribution Method | The scam is likely introduced by a suspicious site or as a result of having a PUP installed on the victim PC. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Microsoft Warning Alert. |
Microsoft Warning Alert Scam – How Did I Get It
The primary method via which such tech support scam is spread is with the aid of a potentially unwanted program. Such software’s primary purpose is to get users to see it’s advertisements and redirects and this is how the creators of these ad-supported programs generate income. The main method via which programs that cause messages, like the Microsoft Warning Alert Scam on computers is via software bundling which is basically the act of including the installation of the unwanted program alognside the installer of any other free software out there. Such free software may be media players, ad-supported programs, software installers of all types and many other porgrams users often tend to download.
Microsoft Warning Alert Scam – More Information
When the Microsoft Warning Alert scam appears on victims’ computers, the it displays the following notifications on the web browser:
** Microsoft Warning Alert **
“The server microscftOxBOdeOMusgq is asking for your
username and password. The server reports that it is from
Suspicious activity detected on your IP address due to
harmful virus installed in your computer. Call Toll Free now
01’855’Q4’0192 for any assistance. Your data is at a serious
riskThene is a system file missing due to some harmfull virus
Debug malware error. system failure. Please contact
technicians to rectify the issue‘Please do not open internet
browser for your security issue to avoid data corruption on
your operating system. Please contact technicians at ToIIIree
Helpline at @ +I-855-624~0192(Toll free) PLEASE DO NOT
SHUT DOWN OR RESTART YOUR COMPUTER. DOING THAT
MAY LEAD TO DATA LOSS AND FAILURE OF OPERATING
SYSTEM , HENCE NON BOOTABLE SITUATION RESULTING
COMPLETE DATA LOSS . CONTACT ADMINISTRATOR
DEPARTMENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE ON TOLL FREE+1 355-624-0192.
Warning: Your username and password will be sent using
basic authentication on a connection that isn’t secure.”
As visible, the scammers pretend as if the device is compromised and they ask victims to call a fake tech support number. To further motivate victims into calling the number, scammers aim to to convince victims that their critical data such as passwords and other vital information is leaked.
As soon as the victim calls the number, the scammers may demand a high sum of money usually several hundred dollars to fix the problem. They may also demand multiple different types of programs to be installed on the victim’s computer, which may be some sort of fake antivirus products or fake repair tools.
Usually, the program which may be introducting redirects, like the Microsoft Warning Alert scam may also be introducing other forms of advertised content on your computer:
- Pop-ups.
- Banners.
- Online browser redirections.
- Highlighted text ads.
These advertisements may also conceal other risks to your computer such as redirect you to malicious websites, phishing sites and even URLs that install malware directly on your PC. This is the main reason why if you see the Microsoft Warning Alert page, it is advisable that you focus on not only removing it from your browser, but also checking any adware or browser hijacker type of programs that may be causing these redirects to appear and removing them afterwards.
Remove Microsoft Warning Alert from Your Browser and PC
If you want to remove the Microsoft Warning Alert from your computer, we recommend that you follow the removal instructions that are underneath this article. They have been created with the main idea in mind that if manual removal does not stop the pop-ups and redirects to suspicious pages of the Microsoft Warning Alert kind, an automatic approach should be taken. According to security experts the best approach towards removing the software causing the Microsoft Warning Alert redirects on your computer is to us an anti-malware program, capable of automatically scanning for and effectively getting you rid of thse types of unwanted applications.
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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- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Microsoft Warning Alert from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Microsoft Warning Alert with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Microsoft Warning Alert and related software from Windows
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 Microsoft Warning Alert 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 Microsoft Warning Alert 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 Microsoft Warning Alert (Windows).
Get rid of Microsoft Warning Alert from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Microsoft Warning Alert 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 Microsoft Warning Alert. 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 Microsoft Warning Alert 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 Microsoft Warning Alert files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Microsoft Warning Alert, 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 Microsoft Warning Alert (Mac)
Remove Microsoft Warning Alert 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 Microsoft Warning Alert 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 Microsoft Warning Alert 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 Microsoft Warning Alert 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 Microsoft Warning Alert will be removed.
Eliminate Microsoft Warning Alert 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".
Microsoft Warning Alert-FAQ
What Is Microsoft Warning Alert?
The Microsoft Warning Alert 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 Microsoft Warning Alert?
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 Microsoft Warning Alert?
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 Microsoft Warning Alert Work?
Once installed, Microsoft Warning Alert 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.
Microsoft Warning Alert 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 Microsoft Warning Alert 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 Microsoft Warning Alert Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Microsoft Warning Alert 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 Microsoft Warning Alert?
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 Microsoft Warning Alert threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.