Talk of The Villages Florida

Talk of The Villages Florida (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/)
-   Computer questions (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/computer-questions-92/)
-   -   Computer Virus Warning (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/computer-questions-92/computer-virus-warning-331962/)

mtdjed 05-12-2022 08:43 PM
Computer Virus Warning
 
Was searching for an Appliance user instruction online when computer locked up and announced that it was infected with a virus and warned that I should call such and such a number. Warning stated that I should not turn off the computer and all indications were that I lost all access to control of the computer screen ie could not access settings power off.

I used the computer external shutoff which worked. Restarted and no further issues that I know of. Current security systems show no infections.

What is happening? Is this simply a way to get you to call and give someone control or extort money?

Stu from NYC 05-12-2022 08:57 PM
Yes these crooks are getting more and more inventive

Topspinmo 05-12-2022 10:20 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by mtdjed (Post 2094938)
Was searching for an Appliance user instruction online when computer locked up and announced that it was infected with a virus and warned that I should call such and such a number. Warning stated that I should not turn off the computer and all indications were that I lost all access to control of the computer screen ie could not access settings power off.

I used the computer external shutoff which worked. Restarted and no further issues that I know of. Current security systems show no infections.

What is happening? Is this simply a way to get you to call and give someone control or extort money?
Scam

Malsua 05-13-2022 05:47 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by mtdjed (Post 2094938)
Was searching for an Appliance user instruction online when computer locked up and announced that it was infected with a virus and warned that I should call such and such a number. Warning stated that I should not turn off the computer and all indications were that I lost all access to control of the computer screen ie could not access settings power off.

I used the computer external shutoff which worked. Restarted and no further issues that I know of. Current security systems show no infections.

What is happening? Is this simply a way to get you to call and give someone control or extort money?
You did exactly the right thing. Power off the computer.

It's a scam, designed to scare you into calling the number.

There are a number of different ways after that they try to either access your computer or get you to send them gift cards.

If you get an active browser protector, like malwarbytes, it will block sites that attempt that.

I've been an IT professional for 35+ years, I do incident response for Ransomware attacks and for a normal desktop windows user, Malwarebytes does a pretty good job. There are other tools as well.

The particular scam you ran across used to be a lot more common, and I have never seen any lasting issues from it, however, you need to do a good scan with some tool to make sure. Malwarebytes has a free version that will scan your computer. If you are using an older Mcafee, Symantec, Trend, Sophos or other anti-virus, it's time to update it to something with active browser protection.

SickofSnow 05-13-2022 06:01 AM
control>alt>delete works too!

Malsua 05-13-2022 06:22 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by SickofSnow (Post 2094993)
control>alt>delete works too!
Sometimes it doesn't. It'll spawn 2-3 other browser windows that maintain the warning screen. Kill one and one of the others will fire another one up. It's whack-a-mole at computer speed and you can't kill the tasks fast enough.

biker1 05-13-2022 06:33 AM
This suggestion is not going to help your current issue but may make your life easier in the future. Assuming you don't have specific requirements that can only be satisfied by a Windows-based system, you might want to consider a Chromebook or Chromebox in the future.

Quote:
Originally Posted by mtdjed (Post 2094938)
Was searching for an Appliance user instruction online when computer locked up and announced that it was infected with a virus and warned that I should call such and such a number. Warning stated that I should not turn off the computer and all indications were that I lost all access to control of the computer screen ie could not access settings power off.

I used the computer external shutoff which worked. Restarted and no further issues that I know of. Current security systems show no infections.

What is happening? Is this simply a way to get you to call and give someone control or extort money?

Babubhat 05-13-2022 06:40 AM
Fake website. Add a free malwarebytes extension to browser.

Malwarebytes Browser Guard crushes unwanted and unsafe content, giving you a safer and faster browsing experience. Not only that, it is the world’s first browser extension that can identify and stop tech support scams.


Malwarebytes Browser Guard - Blocks ads, scams, and trackers

jojo 05-13-2022 07:43 AM
Malwarebytes Browser Guard crushes unwanted and unsafe content, giving you a safer and faster browsing experience. Not only that, it is the world’s first browser extension that can identify and stop tech support scams.


Malwarebytes Browser Guard - Blocks ads, scams, and trackers[/QUOTE]

I have Malware Bytes installed on my computer and have considered the extension for Chrome. I clicked on the link you provided with the intent to download and got a warning message that said Warning- it could change all the data on my websites?

retiredguy123 05-13-2022 08:21 AM
Maybe I'm just lucky, but I haven't installed any anti-virus or other software on my computers. I use Windows 11 on a laptop and a desktop. I have had no issues. I did get one of those screen warnings in the past, but I just rebooted the computer and it went away. I think that if it's not broken, don't fix it.

Nucky 05-13-2022 09:16 AM
Apple, no problems.

Stu from NYC 05-13-2022 10:10 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2095081)
Maybe I'm just lucky, but I haven't installed any anti-virus or other software on my computers. I use Windows 11 on a laptop and a desktop. I have had no issues. I did get one of those screen warnings in the past, but I just rebooted the computer and it went away. I think that if it's not broken, don't fix it.
Been using Norton for years but good (computer expert) friend suggested we use Windows Defender instead and so far so good,

Babubhat 05-13-2022 02:08 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by jojo (Post 2095056)
Malwarebytes Browser Guard crushes unwanted and unsafe content, giving you a safer and faster browsing experience. Not only that, it is the world’s first browser extension that can identify and stop tech support scams.


Malwarebytes Browser Guard - Blocks ads, scams, and trackers
I have Malware Bytes installed on my computer and have considered the extension for Chrome. I clicked on the link you provided with the intent to download and got a warning message that said Warning- it could change all the data on my websites?[/QUOTE]

It needs access to compare it to bogus website database. I have never gotten a tech pop up with paid malwarebytes in my lifetime

Topspinmo 05-13-2022 02:19 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stu from NYC (Post 2095111)
Been using Norton for years but good (computer expert) friend suggested we use Windows Defender instead and so far so good,
IMO Norton and defender couldn’t catch rainwater with bucket! :shocked: They don’t even catch adware. But, I suspect they are probably programmed to let adware through? I suspect the get paid on both ends.

I use superantispyware after Norton let malware through and had junk computer.

MartinSE 05-13-2022 03:31 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2095081)
Maybe I'm just lucky, but I haven't installed any anti-virus or other software on my computers. I use Windows 11 on a laptop and a desktop. I have had no issues. I did get one of those screen warnings in the past, but I just rebooted the computer and it went away. I think that if it's not broken, don't fix it.
Windows 11 (not sure about 10, but I think it) provides you with a Microsoft anti-virus that also provides live browsing protection (assuming you have it turned on). It is one of the best in the industry - and it is free. Malwarebytes provides an excellent addition to it, as others have said above. I recommend the premium version, but the free version does work.

NO antivirus is 100% effective, the best you can hope for is about 50% to 60%. So, safe browsing is a really good idea.

And yes, you did the right thing - when you hit one of those sites, don't even try to close the window - just power down.

Dr.Butler 05-13-2022 03:44 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2095081)
Maybe I'm just lucky, but I haven't installed any anti-virus or other software on my computers. I use Windows 11 on a laptop and a desktop. I have had no issues. I did get one of those screen warnings in the past, but I just rebooted the computer and it went away. I think that if it's not broken, don't fix it.
You still have Windows defender. That has been improved so much it is on par with today's AV products. And its free :)

Dr.Butler 05-13-2022 03:50 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Topspinmo (Post 2095186)
IMO Norton and defender couldn’t catch rainwater with bucket! :shocked: They don’t even catch adware. But, I suspect they are probably programmed to let adware through? I suspect the get paid on both ends.

I use superantispyware after Norton let malware through and had junk computer.
Norton is AV so is Windows Defender. Malware and Adware is a totally different beast and is not covered by AV programs. It's my professional experience to use MalwareBytes. That said, neither of these address viruses, but these days more attacks occur from malware than viruses.

JoelJohnson 05-13-2022 03:50 PM
People using Chromebooks or Linux don't have to worry about getting a virus. Chromebook CAN'T get a virus and Linux is VERY VERY unlikely to get one (especially if you keep up with updates).

daniel200 05-13-2022 07:08 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by MartinSE (Post 2095211)
Windows 11 (not sure about 10, but I think it) provides you with a Microsoft anti-virus that also provides live browsing protection (assuming you have it turned on). It is one of the best in the industry - and it is free. Malwarebytes provides an excellent addition to it, as others have said above. I recommend the premium version, but the free version does work.

NO antivirus is 100% effective, the best you can hope for is about 50% to 60%. So, safe browsing is a really good idea.

And yes, you did the right thing - when you hit one of those sites, don't even try to close the window - just power down.
I agree that the Windows anti-virus (Windows Defender) is the best available. No need to buy anything else. In fact some commercial anti-virus creates problems.

However, I doubt that your problem was actually a virus. I suspect it was a browser popup created by malware on a website you are visiting. These messages are trying to get you to call “the helpline” so that they can sell you some fake computer service in order to get your banking info or install a virus on your computer.

As mentioned previously, force a reboot on your pc and then run Windows Defender. Then clear your browser history and cache.

OrangeBlossomBaby 05-13-2022 07:13 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by mtdjed (Post 2094938)
Was searching for an Appliance user instruction online when computer locked up and announced that it was infected with a virus and warned that I should call such and such a number. Warning stated that I should not turn off the computer and all indications were that I lost all access to control of the computer screen ie could not access settings power off.

I used the computer external shutoff which worked. Restarted and no further issues that I know of. Current security systems show no infections.

What is happening? Is this simply a way to get you to call and give someone control or extort money?
That's called ransomware. You caught it in time. I recommend you get ccleaner (the free version), malwarebytes (the free version), and make sure your computer security suite (windows defender or whatever software you've chosen such as Norton, for example), especially virus definitions, is up to date. If you have Windows Defender make sure it is operating every moment that your computer is turned on, and updates itself automatically.

Run ccleaner, then run malwarebytes. You do -not- need to keep either of them running all the time, but if you choose not to, definitely run them once a month.

OrangeBlossomBaby 05-13-2022 07:19 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by jojo (Post 2095056)
Malwarebytes Browser Guard crushes unwanted and unsafe content, giving you a safer and faster browsing experience. Not only that, it is the world’s first browser extension that can identify and stop tech support scams.


Malwarebytes Browser Guard - Blocks ads, scams, and trackers

I have Malware Bytes installed on my computer and have considered the extension for Chrome. I clicked on the link you provided with the intent to download and got a warning message that said Warning- it could change all the data on my websites?
I highly recommend that you have someone help you understand more about your computer's operating system.

That warning is -usually- your Windows OS telling you that you're about to download an executable file that will actually DO something once it opens. It will install onto your computer, and add a few lines to your registry. If it's something you know that you're doing on purpose, from a reputable company, then you're fine - you actually want it to do that.

If you don't know if that's what you're trying to do, you probably shouldn't do it, and ask a computer technician to help you do it and show you step by step what it is that you're doing (so you can know for the next time you need to do something like that).

Michael G. 05-13-2022 07:49 PM
Some good advice stated here on PC security, good job people

JoelJohnson 05-14-2022 06:58 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby (Post 2095266)
I highly recommend that you have someone help you understand more about your computer's operating system.

That warning is -usually- your Windows OS telling you that you're about to download an executable file that will actually DO something once it opens. It will install onto your computer, and add a few lines to your registry. If it's something you know that you're doing on purpose, from a reputable company, then you're fine - you actually want it to do that.

If you don't know if that's what you're trying to do, you probably shouldn't do it, and ask a computer technician to help you do it and show you step by step what it is that you're doing (so you can know for the next time you need to do something like that).
Most people don't want to be computer experts, they just want to use it. Chromebooks are easy and safe. I've programmed computers before PCs. I got a Chromebook in 2010 and never looked back. The last version of Windows I used was 7. I don't need any special Windows programs.

CoachKandSportsguy 05-14-2022 07:13 AM
its called an injection virus, which injects a new web address prior to going to the requested web site. FYI, there are drive by viruses which don't need to be clicked on or have any user interaction to go after the stored password files from your browser. Its not as simple as use this or that. Also, crooks are going after two factor authentication to get at your financial accounts. My daughter works for apple, and says alot of it is international. VPN is much more helpful, but not perfect either.

FYI, do not save any financial password in your browser files. There are a recent identity theft in our family when someone purchased a new car and had to unlock the frozen credit bureau files. Do not save any password files in any MS office files as that is by far the most common files which people use. I save all password files in programming files in other seldom used applications.

Malwarebytes is great, but always trying to keep up with crooks, who can change faster than you can update your malwarebytes files.

Even linux can get viruses, however, because the typical usage is not popular, crooks don't go after linux operating machines. I have a new solid state drive to try linux which is much safer, faster but requires learning new crap, which I don't have much time for at the moment.

Also, crooks are going after home hacking, which is the next big fun for hacking target. For this you need more router protection to prevent inbound penetration testing, even though you might not think there is anything they can get from the router, there is, and a place where general public knows less about.

Michael G. 05-14-2022 10:16 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by CoachKandSportsguy (Post 2095322)
its called an injection virus, which injects a new web address prior to going to the requested web site. FYI, there are drive by viruses which don't need to be clicked on or have any user interaction to go after the stored password files from your browser. Its not as simple as use this or that. Also, crooks are going after two factor authentication to get at your financial accounts. My daughter works for apple, and says alot of it is international. VPN is much more helpful, but not perfect either.

FYI, do not save any financial password in your browser files. There are a recent identity theft in our family when someone purchased a new car and had to unlock the frozen credit bureau files. Do not save any password files in any MS office files as that is by far the most common files which people use. I save all password files in programming files in other seldom used applications.

Malwarebytes is great, but always trying to keep up with crooks, who can change faster than you can update your malwarebytes files.

Even linux can get viruses, however, because the typical usage is not popular, crooks don't go after linux operating machines. I have a new solid state drive to try linux which is much safer, faster but requires learning new crap, which I don't have much time for at the moment.

Also, crooks are going after home hacking, which his the next big fun for hacking target. For this you need more router protection to prevent inbound penetration testing, even though you might not think there is anything they can get from the router, there is, and a place where general public knows less about.
Thanks for this much needed information.

If people on a computer are anything like me, I know just enough to make me dangerous.

I just received my first I-phone this week from my son, and my head is still spinning
seeing all those apps.

He works from home for a large bank and very seasoned on cell phones and computers.

Some days I think I test his patience with my 81 yr. brain, God bless him :icon_wink:

Babubhat 05-14-2022 04:27 PM
The purpose of free malwarebytes extension is to prevent pop up in the first place


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:53 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Search Engine Optimisation provided by DragonByte SEO v2.0.32 (Pro) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2025 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.