What Is Windows Firewall Protection Scam
Windows Firewall Protection is the name of a scam webpage that may appear on your device as a result of getting a potentially unwanted program showing different types of redirects on your browser. The main objective of this scam is to trick you that your machine is infected with viruses so that you can download a rogue software that may ask you to pay a lot of money to remove threats that do not exist.
Read this article to learn more information about how you can get rid of this scam and clean up your machine from any rogue software and viruses.
Windows Firewall Protection – Details
| Name | Windows Firewall Protection |
| Type | Scam / Adware / PUP / Redirect |
| Short Description | Aims to modify the settings on your computer in order to get it to cause browser redirects and display different advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Your device begins to display various types of online advertisements, which results in slowing down of your machine. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your Mac Has Been Affected by Windows Firewall Protection
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Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Windows Firewall Protection. |
Windows Firewall Protection Scam – How Did I Get Infected
Windows Firewall Protection scam is just another form of fraud that may be aiming at your money or your information. The primary objective of this scam software is the trick you into believing it. It is very similar to what other recently detected scams have also done, like the following ones:
Windows Firewall Protection maybe caused by some type of rogue software that may appear on your device without your consent. Such software may pretend to be a free extra or an optional offer of some sort and could exist as included app in one of the install steps of some other freeware, like the example below shows:
Windows Firewall Protection Scam – What Does It Do?
Windows Firewall Protection’s main message pretends to do a scan while on your browser using some type of a fake code. The end message of the scan is always the same and looks like the following:
Webpages like this one may start to appear on your device without you actually realizing it. This is caused by software that is known as a browser redirect or potentially unwanted program. Such programs often tend to modify your web browsers so that they can show you the following kinds of risky advertisements:
- Changed search results to show ads instead of relevant sites.
- Highlighted text on the pages you visit.
- Redirects.
- Pop-ups with video and/or sound.
- Interruptive banner ads.
- Intrusive push notifications.
Most of the webpages that are advertised by search programs often include different kinds of cookies, pixels, tags and other trackers:
These tracking technologies are essentially small files that are left on your drive and used to obtain different kinds of details on your online activities, for example:
- The browsing history from your browser.
- What you have visited.
- IP and Mac addresses.
- Your mouse movements.
- Your bookmarked websites.
- What searches you have made.
- Your mouse clicks.
Is Windows Firewall Protection Scam a Virus?
No, Windows Firewall Protection is a scam. However, the software that may likely be causing it to appear as a browser redirect your device could also lead to dangerous webpages, like the following:
- Tech support fraud pages.
- URLs, containing a virus infection file or script.
- Rogue software download sites.
- Survey sites that are fraud.
- Phishing pages.
- Web pages that contain scams.
- Redirects to dangerous sites via multiple pay-per-click redirects.
This is the main reason why you should check your device for any malware and get it rid of immediately.
How to Remove Windows Firewall Protection Scam?
In order to remove Windows Firewall Protection scam from your computer system, our main suggestion is to follow the removal instructions that have been set beneath this post. They have been created with the primary idea to best assist you into getting rid of this malware the most effective way possible. For the best removal, security professionals often advise using a professional anti-malware software. Such a software can automatically get rid of any adware, malware and any software that may be causing such a scam to appear.
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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How to Remove Windows Firewall Protection from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Windows Firewall Protection with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Windows Firewall Protection 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 Windows Firewall Protection 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 Windows Firewall Protection 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 Windows Firewall Protection (Windows).
Get rid of Windows Firewall Protection from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Windows Firewall Protection 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 Windows Firewall Protection. 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 Windows Firewall Protection 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 Windows Firewall Protection files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Windows Firewall Protection, 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 Windows Firewall Protection (Mac)
Remove Windows Firewall Protection 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 Windows Firewall Protection 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 Windows Firewall Protection 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 Windows Firewall Protection 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 Windows Firewall Protection will be removed.
Eliminate Windows Firewall Protection 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".
Windows Firewall Protection-FAQ
What Is Windows Firewall Protection?
The Windows Firewall Protection 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 Windows Firewall Protection?
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 Windows Firewall Protection?
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 Windows Firewall Protection Work?
Once installed, Windows Firewall Protection 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.
Windows Firewall Protection 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 Windows Firewall Protection 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 Windows Firewall Protection Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Windows Firewall Protection 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 Windows Firewall Protection?
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 Windows Firewall Protection threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.