This article aims to show you how to remove the online scamming message “Your Windows Is Infected With (2) Viruses”, coming from Winsecurity.info completely from your computer.
New online scamming virus-like notifications have beug appearing in the Wild, very similar to the “Your system is heavily damaged by (4) virus!” scam. The messages have begun appearing as a resul of a web redired to a URL which displays a pop-up with them. The objective of those messages is to get victims to install a suspicious phone application which will install a software on the victim’s computer, known as PCSmartCleanup. The software has been reported to be suspicious and demand money to fix non-existent issues on your computer. This is the main reason why we strongly advise you to remove completely this scamming messages from your browser and PC by reading the following article.
Threat Summary
| Name | Winsecurity.info |
| Type | Scam / Browser Redirect |
| Short Description | A browser redirect to a usually random URL which displays a tab locking message, asking victims to download a rogue antivirus program. |
| Symptoms | A new tab on your browser may display a message saying “Your Windows Is Infected With (2) Viruses”. |
| Distribution Method | Via Adware or advertising malware installed on your computer or by being redirected from a suspicious site. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Winsecurity.info. |
How Does Winsecurity Virus Spread
In order to be widespread, the scam may take advantage of an ad-supported software, known as potentially unwanted programs on your computer. This software may cause multiple web browser redirects, among which may be the following scam. Such programs are often known as adware or browser hijackers and they may be installed via other adware on your PC or via software bundling. Bundling is an aggressive marketing trick to slither software such as the one causing the “Your Windows Is Infected With (2) Viruses” pop-ups to appear. This means that if you have downloaded a free program installer of your favorite media player or any other freeware, you may have also installed the Winsecurity scamming message program on your PC as well.
Other methods by which you can land on the Winsecurity web page is if you have visited suspicious website that has a script which causes the redirects or pop-ups of this scam to appear directly on your computer. Some suspicious websites have smart methods that bypass any ad-blockers or similar programs of such type.
Winsecurity Scam “Virus” – Activity and Purpose
The end goal of the Winsecurity scamming program is to show a fake message with instructions within it on how to download a fake antivirus program, also known as rogue antivirus. Such software performs a fake scan of your computer, shortly after which aims to convince you to pay money in order to perform the removal of those viruses. This scamming practice often results in victims paying the cyber-criminals online and even risking their financial details by exposing their credit card number, security code and other credentials.
The most often seen message of the Winsecurity scam appears in the following way:
It pretends to give victims a deadline which is couple of minutes and dispays a fake countdown timer in order to get victims to panic. However, when the timer runs out, nothing happens, it is only a scareware tactic. The message which tricks inexperienced victims into clicking the “REMOVE” button and downloading the fake removal software is the following:
Your Windows Windows 10 is infected with (2) Viruses!
25 September 2017
Your Windows Windows 10 is infected with (2) Viruses. The pre-scan found traces of (2) malware and (1)
phishing/spyware. System damage: 28.1% – Immediate removal required!
The removal of (2) Viruses is required immediately to prevent further system damage. loss of Apps. Photos
or other files.
Traces of (1) PhishingISpyware were found on your computer. Personal and banking information are at
risk.
2 minutes and 0 seconds
In addition to displaying this message, the web links which may be presented to you in correlation to this message may be malicious as well. Most of them usually have tracking technologies embedded directly within them, such as:
- Cookies.
- Tags.
- Flash cookies (LSOs).
- Pixels.
- Geo-locators.
These technologies are not malicious by essence, but they may be authorized to collect different information from your computer and store it. Such info may be:
- Your location and language.
- Browsing history.
- Online clicks.
- Online search history.
In addition to this, the website Winsecurity.info itself may use those technolgoies when you purchase the fake antivirus software as well. This is likely done with the purpose to collect your personal and financial information.
Similar to many tech support scams, the “Your Windows Is Infected With (2) Viruses” scam may also display a fake telephone number which aims to get you to call a fake tech support agent. Beside the risk of the call subscribing your number to services that may ramp up your telephone bill, the person on the other side may want you information as well. This is why, it is strongly recommended not to call any number provided there and to immediately remove the “Your Windows Is Infected With (2) Viruses” scam with an anti-malware software which is specifically used to tackle low-level threats like this one as well as high end ones.
How to Remove “Your Windows Is Infected With (2) Viruses” Scam
Since this scam can appear both on your computer as well as mobile device, we have divided the removal instructions into removal for computers and mobile devices as well.
If you have started seeing pop-ups, just like or similar to the “Your Windows Is Infected With (2) Viruses” scam, you should immediately shut down your web browser and follow the instructions below to remove it and protect your PC in the future as well. Since manual removal may be a tricky process, experts strongly advise to use an advanced anti-malware software to get rid of the “Your Windows Is Infected With (2) Viruses” scam with an automatic scan of your computer by using an anti-malware software.
PC Removal Instructions:
Manually delete Winsecurity.info from Windows and your browser
Note! Substantial notification about the Winsecurity.info threat: Manual removal of Winsecurity.info requires interference with system files and registries. Thus, it can cause damage to your PC. Even if your computer skills are not at a professional level, don’t worry. You can do the removal yourself just in 5 minutes, using a malware removal tool.
Remove or Uninstall Winsecurity.info in Windows.
Step 1: Remove/Uninstall Winsecurity.info in Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps to remove that program. No matter if you are using Windows 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 get left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, mistakes 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:
Select the program that you want to remove, and press “Uninstall” (fig.3).
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall Winsecurity.info.
Remove Winsecurity.info from Your Browser.
Remove a toolbar from Mozilla Firefox
Remove a toolbar from Google Chrome
Remove a toolbar from Internet Explorer
Remove a toolbar from Safari
Select the “Add-ons” icon from the menu
Select Winsecurity.info and click “Remove“
After Winsecurity.info is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.
Select Winsecurity.info to remove, and then click ‘Disable’. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected toolbar, and some additional toolbars might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click ‘Disable’.
After Winsecurity.info has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red ‘X’ in the top right corner and start it again.
Open the drop menu by clicking on the sprocket icon in the top right corner.
From the drop menu select ‘Preferences’
In the new window select ‘Extensions’
Click once on Winsecurity.info
Click ‘Uninstall’
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall Winsecurity.info. Select ‘Uninstall’ again, and the Winsecurity.info will be removed.
Automatically remove Winsecurity.info by downloading an advanced anti-malware program
Remove Winsecurity.info with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove Winsecurity.info.2. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove Winsecurity.info.Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to automatically update.
Step1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Scan Computer Now’ button.
Step2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any Winsecurity.info files, click on the ‘Fix Threats’ button to remove them automatically and permanently.
Step3: Once the intrusions on your PC have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart it.
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data automatically with cloud backup and insure it against any type of data loss on your device, even the most severe. We recommend reading more about and downloading SOS Online Backup .
1. For Windows 7 and earlier 1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 1. Enabling the Windows Defense Feature (Previous Versions)1-Click on Windows Start Menu
2-Type Backup And Restore
3-Open it and click on Set Up Backup
4-A window will appear asking you where to set up backup. You should have a flash drive or an external hard drive. Mark it by clicking on it with your mouse then click on Next.
5-On the next window, the system will ask you what do you want to backup. Choose the ‘Let Me Choose’ option and then click on Next.
6-Click on ‘Save settings and run backup’ on the next window in order to protect your files from possible attacks by Winsecurity.info.
2-In the window type ‘filehistory’ and press Enter
3-A File History window will appear. Click on ‘Configure file history settings’
4-The configuration menu for File History will appear. Click on ‘Turn On’. After its on, click on Select Drive in order to select the backup drive. It is recommended to choose an external HDD, SSD or a USB stick whose memory capacity is corresponding to the size of the files you want to backup.
5-Select the drive then click on ‘Ok’ in order to set up file backup and protect yourself from Winsecurity.info.
1- Press Windows button + R keys.
2- A run windows should appear. In it type ‘sysdm.cpl’ and then click on Run.
3- A System Properties windows should appear. In it choose System Protection.
5- Click on Turn on system protection and select the size on the hard disk you want to utilize for system protection.
6- Click on Ok and you should see an indication in Protection settings that the protection from Winsecurity.info is on.
Restoring a file via Windows Defense feature:
1-Right-click on the encrypted file, then choose Properties.
2-Click on the Previous Versions tab and then mark the last version of the file.
3-Click on Apply and Ok and the file encrypted by Winsecurity.info should be restored.
Remove Winsecurity.info Using Other Alternative Tools
STOPZilla Anti MalwareStep 1: Download STOPZilla by clicking here.
Step 2: A pop-up window will appear. Click on the ‘Save File’ button. If it does not, click on the Download button and save it afterwards.
Step 3: After you have downloaded the setup, simply open it.
Step 4: The installer should appear. Click on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 5: Check the ‘I accept the agreement’ check circle if not checked if you accept it and click the ‘Next’ button once again.
Step 6: Review and click on the ‘Install’ button.
Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button.
2. Scan your PC with STOPZilla Anti Malware to remove all Winsecurity.info associated files completely.
Step 1: Launch STOPZilla if you haven’t launched it after install.
Step 2: Wait for the software to automatically scan and then click on the ‘Repair Now’ button. If it does not scan automatically, click on the ‘Scan Now’ button.
Step 3: After the removal of all threats and associated objects, you should Restart your PC.
Smartphone and Tablet Removal Instructions:
Hard-Reset Your Smartphone
For Apple iPhone and iPad Devices:
Option I: Via the device
1.Back up your data using iCloud or another backup method.
2. Go to the Settings menu and go to General.
3. On the bottom, tap on Reset.
4. Tap on Erase All Content and Settings.
5. Confirm it by tapping on the red Erase button and then type your password.
Option II: Via iTunes
1. Connect your device and open iTunes.
2. Click on the device‘s name and model to open the dialog box.
3. From there, click on the button “Restore”
For Android Devices:
After you have backed up your files, you should perform a clean wipe-out of your phone. This can happen either via one of the options in Safe Mode or by entering your device’s Recovery Mode. Several methods exist in order to enter Recovery Mode of your device:
For Nexus Devices: – Hold the Volume Down + Volume Up + Power button until a Recovery menu appears. After that, you should select the Wipe Data/Factory reset option. Nexus 4 may work with Volume Up + Power + Volume Down.
For Samsung Devices: – Hold the Volume Up + Power Button + Home Button until a Recovery menu appears. After that, you should select the Wipe Data/Factory reset option.
For Motorola Droid X Devices: Hold the Home Button + Power Button until a Recovery menu appears. After that, you should select the Wipe Data/Factory reset setting.
For other devices with camera buttons on them: Hold the Volume Up + Camera Button until a Recovery Menu appears. After this, you should choose the Wipe Data/Factory reset option.
Also in case you have backed up your device in a Google Account, you will be able to restore your data after a complete wipe-out by just logging into your Google Account with you email and password.
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 Winsecurity.info from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Winsecurity.info with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Winsecurity.info 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 Winsecurity.info 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 Winsecurity.info 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 Winsecurity.info (Windows).
Get rid of Winsecurity.info from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Winsecurity.info 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 Winsecurity.info. 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 Winsecurity.info 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 Winsecurity.info files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Winsecurity.info, 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 Winsecurity.info (Mac)
Remove Winsecurity.info 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 Winsecurity.info 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 Winsecurity.info 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 Winsecurity.info 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 Winsecurity.info will be removed.
Eliminate Winsecurity.info 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".
Winsecurity.info-FAQ
What Is Winsecurity.info?
The Winsecurity.info 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 Winsecurity.info?
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 Winsecurity.info?
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 Winsecurity.info Work?
Once installed, Winsecurity.info 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.
Winsecurity.info 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 Winsecurity.info 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 Winsecurity.info Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Winsecurity.info 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 Winsecurity.info?
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 Winsecurity.info threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.