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Computer Virus Protection – Essential Tips

Scan your computer to protect yourself from viruses

How to Prevent Viruses on Your Computer

The internet is full of malware-laden pitfalls – as fast as cybersecurity can evolve, hackers are continuing to create new threats to challenge them. While this battle will likely be ongoing for as long as the internet exists, it’s the role of antivirus software providers such as ourselves to keep users up to date with the latest virus protection tips. While antivirus software is a critical part of your defense, keeping your computer virus-free requires a proactive, comprehensive approach. In this guide, we’ll cover essential tips for preventing viruses from infecting your computer, and ways to maintain a secure, efficient and virus-free system when using your computer for work, personal projects or day to day browsing.

Installing antivirus software

A reliable antivirus software should be your first line of defense against viruses and malware. These programs are designed to recognize, alert you to, and deal with any suspicious activity on your computer. Installing a reputable antivirus program will ensure that any suspicious files, unusual activity or dangerous downloads are flagged and reported to you, keeping you on top of potential threats, sometimes before they even have a chance to occur.

Keeping your antivirus up to date

It’s essential that you keep your antivirus software up to date. In the same way that new malware is created every day, antivirus companies will frequently release updates to address these new threats. Missing an update might not feel like a big deal, but it could leave you exposed and vulnerable – simply having the software installed is not enough.

To ensure your software stays current, you can:

  • Enable automatic updates to make sure you always have the latest version of your antivirus software live and running.
  • Check for manual updates, particularly when you hear of any new viruses or if your computer appears to be acting strangely.

Regular software and OS updates

Beyond your antivirus defenses, staying on top of your operating system updates will also help to patch any holes in your security. Each update will address any new vulnerabilities discovered by developers and security updates – ignoring these updates, even in the name of saving time or storage, can leave you with weaknesses that hackers won’t hesitate to exploit.

Patching security flaws

Patching is the process of updating software to fix security vulnerabilities, address bugs, and tackle any other issues that could impact software performance or user safety. A patch is a small piece of code released by the developer that repairs these weaknesses, like patching a leak in a boat.

Your operating system, browser, and other apps should alert you when there are updates and patches that need to be addressed, but it doesn’t hurt to check for these manually to stay on top of things.

Enabling automatic updates

Similarly to your antivirus software, it is often possible to enable automatic updates, ensuring that your computer is always equipped with the latest defenses.

Safe browsing practices

Good browsing habits are also a key element of virus prevention. Compromised websites, pop-ups, phishing emails and deceptive ads are some of the main ways in which malware spreads, luring unsuspecting users in and convincing them to download harmful files. By practicing safe browsing, you reduce your chance of falling foul of viruses.

Avoid suspicious websites

There are thought to be roughly 2 billion websites online in 2024. That’s a lot of potential places to pick up a virus. Sites offering pirated software, movies, and other downloads are some of the most common culprits. To avoid picking up a virus while browsing online, you should follow these tips:

  • Use a reputable search engine, as these will often flag harmful sites for you.
  • Check the URL of every site that you visit – if the URL begins with “https://” it means that the site is encrypted and secure.
  • Don’t let your curiosity get the better of you and avoid clicking on any suspicious links.

Use pop-up blockers

Most browsers have some form of pop-up blocker you can activate to stop these annoying and potentially dangerous ads from gracing your screen, and we would highly recommend activating one if you can. Malicious pop-ups are often designed to look as though they come from a reputable source, tricking the unsuspecting users into clicking on them and exposing themselves to malware.

Email and download safety

Many aspects of email safety may sound like simple common sense, but you would be surprised by how many users are caught out by the sophistication of the emails that hackers now use to spread viruses. Exercising caution with emails and downloads is essential to keeping your computer safe.

Be wary of email attachments

Cybercriminals use phishing emails to trick users into downloading malware. These emails may appear to come from legitimate, familiar organizations, or even family and friends. To stay safe, don’t open any unexpected email attachments, even if it appears to be from an entity you know and trust – try to verify what has been sent with the sender where possible.

Many of these phishing attempts fall down in their spelling and grammar, and the unusual nature of their requests. They will also likely try to create a sense of urgency, wanting you to open whatever attachment they have sent before you’ve had a chance to thoroughly vet their email. This is why it’s important to read all online correspondence carefully.

Download only from trusted sources

Downloading files from unofficial sources is a common way for viruses to spread. To avoid accidentally downloading malware, you should:

  • Stick to official websites and app stores where possible.
  • Read reviews and ratings before downloading anything.
  • Look for some kind of verification that what you’re downloading is legit.
  • Don’t accept unusual downloads – for example, if your bank usually corresponds through the mail, be suspicious of any emails suddenly offering you downloads.

Stay vigilant and virus-free

There’s no single answer for how to prevent viruses on your computer – it requires a multi-faceted approach. Installing a good antivirus software and keeping it updated is essential, but it’s only one part of a well-rounded defense. Regular updates for your operating system and other software, coupled with safe browsing and cautious email practices will help to shield your system from threats.

If you’re looking for the right antivirus scanner and software to support your online activities, consider SUPERAntiSpyware.

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How to Remove Computer Viruses

Computer virus removal - how to remove computer viruses

How to Remove Viruses from Your Computer

Almost everyone who owns a computer is likely to run into trouble with viruses sooner or later – in 2023 alone, there were more than 6 billion malware attacks worldwide. Viruses and other types of malware can wreak havoc on computers, causing anything from minor inconveniences to severe data breaches, and even disrupting global organizations and infrastructure. While modern operating systems have improved on their defenses as time has gone by, viruses are also continuing to evolve. In this guide, we’ll cover how to recognize virus red flags, how to remove viruses from your computer, and ways to keep your system safe from future infections.

Identifying the signs of a virus infection

Before we explain the virus removal steps, let’s look at the symptoms of a computer virus. Knowing the warning signs can help you to catch a virus early, preventing it from causing unchecked damage to your computer and data. Malware is designed to operate covertly, but here are the things that could signal their presence.

Unexplained system behavior

An unexpected deterioration in the performance of your computer should always be a red flag. If it’s slower than it should be, freezing frequently, or crashing for no identifiable reason, it might be the work of a virus. This happens because malware often consumes a lot of your computer’s processing power.

Viruses can also affect your system settings. If you notice changes to your desktop background, unfamiliar icons, or your web browsing suddenly displaying a different homepage or new toolbars, it could be a sign that malicious software has modified your settings without your permission or knowledge.

Unusual pop-ups

A classic sign of a computer virus is an unexpected influx of pop-ups. More than just an annoyance, these pop-ups will often pose as antivirus tools themselves in an attempt to get you to click on them. By doing this they can lure unsuspecting users into downloading more malware, or disclosing personal information. Always treat any unfamiliar pop-ups suspiciously, and avoid clicking on any links or following their instructions.

Step-by-step virus removal process

If the warning signs above sound suspiciously familiar to you and you suspect your computer has a virus, taking immediate action is crucial. The following steps will help you remove viruses and any other malware that may be hiding on your system.

Enter safe mode

The first step in the virus removal process is to put your computer into safe mode. Safe mode is a diagnostic mode that limits your computer to running only essential programs and services, making it harder for viruses to operate and limiting the damage they can cause. By reducing background processes, safe mode also makes it easier to identify and remove viruses. The way you enter safe mode will differ depending on your operating system:

  • Windows: Restart your computer and press either the F8 or F11 key as it boots up.
  • Mac: Restart your computer and hold down the Shift key as it turns back on.

Run a full antivirus scan

Once you’re in safe mode, carry out your chosen form of antivirus scanning. Running a full scan ensures that your antivirus software can comb through your entire system to locate any threats. If you don’t have an antivirus program installed, find one that’s reputable and install it right away. A full system scan may take some time, so be prepared to wait.

Delete temporary files

Many viruses hide in the temporary files created by browsers, operating systems, or third-party apps, so cleaning these out is an essential but often-overlooked part of the removal process. Wait until your scan has completed before doing this – deleting files while the scan is running might disrupt the process and prevent it from being effective.

Quarantine and remove any threats

Once the scan is complete, it will generate a report for you to read. Your antivirus software will categorize threats based on their severity and recommend a course of action for each one. For files that can’t be safely deleted, your antivirus program will usually provide an option to quarantine them. This isolates any infected files, keeping them on your computer but preventing them from causing any harm.

For most threats, the best course of action is to delete them. Follow your antivirus software’s recommendations to remove the harmful files. Once you’ve done this, it’s a good idea to restart your computer and run another scan to make sure the virus has been fully removed.

Protecting your computer from future viruses

Here are some further computer virus protection tips we would recommend you follow.

Keep your software updated

A simple way to give yourself the best chance of avoiding viruses is to keep all of your computer software updated. Operating systems, antivirus software, and any apps you use will all receive regular updates that include vital security patches and improvements designed to block the latest threats.

If you struggle with remembering to check for updates, it’s usually possible to enable automatic updates. This way, your software will stay current without requiring any extra effort on your part.

Avoid unverified downloads

The internet is full of enticing downloads, from exciting new software to interesting-looking files. Unfortunately there are often viruses nestled among these dazzling distractions. Avoid downloading software or files from sites you don’t trust, and never open attachments from unknown senders. Stick to official websites app stores for any software you need, and question any email attachments you receive unexpectedly, even those from trusted sources – they might have been compromised.

Run regular scans

Even if you do everything right, there’s nothing that can make you one hundred percent immune to every possible threat. That’s why running regular scans is so important to maintaining the health of your computer. These scans can be scheduled to run automatically and send you periodic reports, so they won’t interrupt your regular computer usage. This proactive approach will help you to nip any viruses in the bud, before they have a chance to cause damage.

Show viruses the door

With the antivirus software available today, running into trouble with computer viruses doesn’t need to be a death sentence for your computer, or mean irreparable damage to your data. Being able to recognize the warning signs and follow the above steps puts you in the best position possible to handle malware in its many shapes and forms.

Your antivirus software is your best line of defense against malware – so choose it wisely, keep it updated, and scan regularly. For software that secures your peace of mind as well as your system, think SUPERAntiSpyware.

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How to Scan Your Computer for Viruses

How to scan your computer for computer viruses

How to Scan Your Computer for Viruses

It’s often said that a poor workman blames his tools – but, when it comes to computers, the tools with which we manage so many aspects of daily life, maintaining their health is of the utmost importance. Viruses and other types of malware are constantly seeking to sneak into our systems in the hopes of stealing sensitive information, slowing down performance, and sometimes even causing irreparable damage. This guide will walk you through recognizing the signs of a computer virus and how to run the scans that can confirm your suspicions.

Signs your computer may have a virus

One of the most challenging aspects of computer viruses  is the fact that they can so often go unnoticed. Working in the background, quietly wreaking havoc, viruses and malware can lurk on your device while you go about your day to day tasks. Things you might brush off as annoying but benign occurrences – crashes, lag, pop-ups – can actually be the symptoms of a computer virus. This is why it’s important to recognize the signs.

Slow performance and frequent crashes

One of the first signs of a potential infection is a sudden drop in your computer’s performance. Viruses use up valuable resources such as memory and processing power, sapping the energy usually devoted to other programs and processes. If your computer starts to feel sluggish, freezes unexpectedly, or crashes without warning, this could indicate that it has been infected with a virus. If any of these issues start to occur for no apparent reason, it’s worth further investigation.

Unexpected pop-ups and redirects

Pop-up ads are a familiar nuisance; but a sudden surge of them, especially if they appear when you’re not actively browsing the web, should be seen as a major red flag. Some types of malware specifically trigger pop-ups or redirect you to suspicious websites in order to trick you into downloading them. Any time your browser opens a new tab unexpectedly, or repeatedly directs you to new sites you didn’t intend to visit, it’s a good chance that some sort of virus might be at work.

How to scan for viruses

You’ve recognized the warning signs – now comes the time to either confirm your fears, or provide yourself with peace of mind. During a scan, your device will be checked thoroughly for any potential harmful software – system files, programs, downloads, and other such components will be searched for any signs of malicious activity. Here’s how it’s done.

Step 1 – Install a reputable antivirus software

If you don’t already have one, your first step is to find yourself a reliable antivirus program. Not all antivirus software is created equal, so look for one that’s highly rated by experts and offers regular updates to combat ever-evolving online threats. The best antivirus software typically provides a comprehensive defense, scanning for viruses, malware, spyware, and other forms of malicious software.

Step 2 – Run a full system scan

Once your chosen software is installed, you’ll want to run a full system virus scan. A full scan sweeps every corner of your computer, ensuring that no stone is left unturned in their search for any malicious software. Full scans can take a while, potentially even hours, depending on your computer’s size and power, but they’re worth the time investment, especially if you have never scanned your computer before. 

Step 3 – Check scan reports and take action

Most antivirus software will provide you with virus scan reports once the scan is complete. This report will list any detected threats and provide you with options for how to handle them. They might even provide a list of potential vulnerabilities, allowing you to stop viruses from gaining access to your system in the first place. If your scan does find any existing threats, you’ll usually be given options along the lines of quarantining, deleting, or ignoring them. Quarantining a virus isolates it, preventing it from causing further harm, and deleting it removes it from your computer. Always take actions on any flagged items, and don’t ignore alerts unless you’re absolutely sure the file is safe.

The different types of scan

Most software will provide you with a few different options for what kind of scan you want to run. Each scan has its strengths, and some are more applicable than others depending on the situation.

Quick scans vs full scans

The shorter alternative to a full system virus scan, a quick scan will check the most common areas where malware can be found, such as system memory, startup files and download folders. Quick scans are ideal for routine check-ups, but aren’t as thorough as full scans. 

Custom scans

If there’s a particular area of your computer that’s causing you concern, or if you want to isolate a scan to a specific folder or external drive, you can often customize your scans to accommodate this. Because the scan will only be aimed at a precise location, it will take less computing power and often be quicker than a full scan.

Best practices for regular virus scanning

Knowing how to scan your computer for viruses is one thing – doing it on a regular basis is a habit you have to develop. Here are some of the best practices for keeping your computer virus-free.

Schedule regular scans

Setting up scheduled virus scans is a great way to alleviate the pressure of having to remember to run regular manual scans. Scheduling ensures that scans happen automatically, and can be set to run at times when you won’t be using your computer, so you’re not sitting around waiting for a scan to finish when you could be doing other things. A popular option is to schedule a quick scan once a day, and a weekly full system virus scan.

Keep your antivirus software updated

Your antivirus software is only as effective as its latest update. New viruses are created on a daily basis, often built specifically to combat the latest antivirus defense, so it’s important that antivirus providers regularly update and patch their programs with the latest improvements. Regularly checking your software for the latest update is as important as running regular scans. 

Plan your scans with SUPERAntiSpyware

To summarize:

  • There are lots of places for viruses to hide within the confines of your computer, and learning to recognize the warning signs can give you a valuable heads up.
  • Using antivirus software to run scans will enable you to detect any viruses or malware lurking undetected in your device.
  • Utilize both full system virus scans and quick scans.
  • Running scheduled virus scans can help to ensure round the clock protection, even for the forgetful among us.
  • Software updates keep you safe from the latest threats.

Protecting your computer doesn’t need to be difficult or confusing – with the right tools, it’s actually pretty straightforward. Get in touch with us today to find out more about our anti spyware products.

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What is Zeus Trojan Virus & How to Protect

Zeus Trojan Virus

What is the Zeus Trojan Virus? Understanding the Threat and How to Protect Your System

The Zeus Trojan virus, also known as Zbot, is one of the most infamous forms of malware ever created. First identified in 2007, Zeus was designed with the goal of stealing sensitive information such as banking credentials and other financial data, as well as personal details. Some viruses simply aim to cause chaos and destruction in their wake, but Zeus is a much more targeted piece of malware that aims to steal valuable information from its victims.

Targeting Windows operating systems, it has been responsible for millions of dollars in financial losses, with infected machines being added to botnets – networks of infected computers that can be controlled remotely. This major player in cybercrime definitely deserves its godly moniker, but there are actions you can take to protect yourself against it. 

In this blog we’ll break down how Zeus works, its variants, and its ongoing impact.

History and origins of the Zeus Trojan virus

The Zeus Trojan first came to light in 2007 when it was used in a cyberattack against the US Department of Transportation. Its exact origins are unknown, but it has had strong ties to hackers based in Eastern Europe.

What made Zeus so dangerous when it came onto the scene, and what continues to make it such a big name in cybercrime, is its level of sophistication, and the fact that it can steal sensitive information without raising alarms. The malware was designed to focus on financial institutions, but it quickly expanded its reach, targeting both individuals and businesses globally.

After someone claiming to be the creator of the virus announced their retirement in 2010, giving the source code to another malware creator as they did so, it was later leaked online in 2011. This leak allowed the Zeus virus to be modified and built on by other cybercriminals, leading to a wave of new variants. These variants made detection and removal even more challenging, as they incorporated new techniques to evade cybersecurity measures. The Zeus Trojan became the foundation for many future stains of malware – and this is why it’s still a major cybersecurity threat today, over a decade later.

How Zeus Trojan virus works

The Zeus Trojan operates in several ways, each of which are complex and sophisticated, which is part of what makes it so difficult to detect and remove.

Infection methods

Zeus often spreads through phishing attacks, where users are tricked into clicking on malicious email attachments or links that seem as though they come from legitimate sources. For example, a user might receive an email that appears to come from their bank, prompting them to click a link asking them to verify their details. As soon as the link is clicked, Zeus has a way to silently install itself on their computer.

Drive-by downloads are another common method of infection – this is where a user visits a compromised website that automatically downloads the malware onto their device without their knowledge or consent. This method is particularly dangerous, because all it takes is a user visiting a malicious site for them to be at risk of infection.

Keylogging and data theft

Once installed, Zeus can monitor every keystroke typed on the infected device. This process, known as keylogging, allows the malware to capture sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card numbers. Zeus can even inject fake web forms into legitimate websites, tricking users into entering their personal data.

Botnet creation

Any machines infected by Zeus become part of a larger botnet. These botnets can be used for various malicious activities, including distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. Botnets overwhelm websites with traffic, ultimately forcing them offline, and can be rented out to other cybercriminals.

Zeus Virus variants and successors

Zeus’ impact was amplified after its source code leaked, giving rise to numerous variants and successcors.

GameOver

One of the most advanced variants, GameOver was a peer-to-oeer version of the original malware. This version allowed infected devices to communicate with each other without relying on a central server, making it far more resilient to takedowns. 

SpyEye

Originally a competitor to Zeus, the creator of SpyEye was who Zeus’ creator claimed to have given the source code and rights to upon retirement. SpyEye used Zeus’ codebase to introduce new techniques for stealing banking information.

Ice IX, Carberp, Citadel, Shylock and more

These malware variants were built from the leaked Zeus code, and each came with its own set of features and improvements. For example, Citadel added more encryption techniques. This successors proved that the Zeus Trojan was not a one-time threat, but rather the foundation for future cybercrime. 

Major incidents and impact

The Zeus Trojan’s global reach is prolific. It has caused widespread damage, particularly in the financial sector. Zeus has been responsible for financial theft amounting to over $70 million worldwide, with major organizations and household names falling victim to attacks, such as Bank of America, Amazon, and even NASA.

One of the most significant anti-Zeus operations was Operation Tovar, which attempted to take down the GameOver Zeus botnet in 2014, and led to the ringleader of the gang of cybercriminals responsible being apprehended and charged by the FBI.

How to identify Zeus infections

Recognizing the symptoms of a Zeus virus early can help to limit the damage. Here are some of the warning signs:

  • Sudden slowdown in device to performance or overall operating speed.
  • Unusual or unauthorized transactions in your online banking accounts.
  • Unknown programs running on your system or suddenly appearing in your list of installed applications.
  • Your device overheating without any obvious cause.
  • Suspicious browser activity such as altered form fields, pop-ups, or being redirected to unfamiliar websites.
  • Increased network traffic without a clear explanation, which could indicate your computer has been added to a botnet.

How to prevent and protect against the Zeus Trojan virus

Prevention is better than the cure. And while you can’t immunize your computer against this kind of virus, there are measures you can take to maintain good cybersecurity hygiene. 

Keep software and operating systems up to date

Install the latest security patches and updates to make sure you aren’t leaving any vulnerabilities open for hackers to exploit.

Be wary of phishing

Exercise caution when dealing with unsolicited emails and messages, and never click links or download attachments where the origins cannot be confirmed.

Add layers to your security

By enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) across your accounts, especially banking accounts, you add an extra layer of security. Even if your credentials are stolen, attackers won’t be able to access your accounts without the second authentication factor.

Use Trojan scanner tools

Using a dedicated antispyware software, such as our free trojan scanner and removal tool, can help to detect and remove malware like Zeus before it causes damage.

Install an ad blocker

Ad blockers can prevent malicious pop-ups from downloading malware onto your computer via drive-by downloads.

Stay informed

Cybercrime is constantly evolving, so you can’t afford to get complacent when it comes to cybersecurity. Staying up to date on the latest malware trends can help you to anticipate and defend against new variants.

Legacy and continued threat

Although the original Zeus Trojan has diminished in activity, its mythology is almost as grand as the god it takes its name from, thanks to its leaked source code. Many modern malware variants borror tactics that were pioneered by Zeus – it has, unfortunately, inspired an entire generation of malware. However, whenever threats arise, solutions inevitably arise to combat them.

Don’t bow to this god

Perhaps the most famous example of a Trojan virus, even Zeus can be stopped by following good cybersecurity practices and arming yourself with the right tools. For more information, why not reach out to the experts at SUPERAntiSpyware.

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Layerin’ Ain’t Just for Winter! Bolster Your Security With Layers of Protection

Virus infection

I thought Spyware and Viruses are the same thing?

A virus is malicious code that copies itself over and over in order to do damage to your computers data while Spyware is an umbrella term used to describe a variety of threats such as Trojans, Ransomware, Keyloggers, Cookies, Worms, etc that may do damage to your PC and/or privacy but do not have the intention of totally destroying your computers data and system unlike a virus.

So your telling me I need an Anti-Virus AND an Anti-Spyware?

Strictly speaking, SUPERAntiSpyware© is not designed to be Anti-Virus software. We target Spyware, a focus that allows us to respond quickly to the ever-growing groups of hostile software we address, with new definitions released multiple times a day, and concentrate on the technology that targets the most common threats in the wild. There are a lot of things that are often called viruses (many trojans, worms, and so on) that SUPERAntiSpyware© will remove, but it won’t remove true viruses such as boot-sector viruses.

Security With Layers of Protection

No one security tool can catch everything out there and protect you, which is why we recommend a layered approach. We recommend if you use an Anti-Virus, you supplement it with SUPERAntiSpyware© and if you only use SUPERAntiSpyware© alone, consider getting an Anti-Virus. SUPERAntiSpyware© has been designed to be compatible with popular Anti-Virus applications such as McAfee, Symantec(Norton), Kaspersky, Bitdefender, ESET NOD32, AVG, Avast, Panda, Avira, and so on.

 

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Worried about WannaCrypt Ransomware? Update your Windows OS!

Worried about WannaCrypt Ransomware?

Home users and businesses should make sure their Windows Operating Systems and security software are updated in order to stop the spread of WannaCrypt. Make sure your copy of Windows is updated, click HERE to read Microsoft’s Customer Guidance post about this ransomware. Microsoft even took usual steps and released updates to unsupported Operating systems such as XP. From the article linked above:

“Additionally, we are taking the highly unusual step of providing a security update for all customers to protect Windows platforms that are in custom support only, including Windows XP, Windows 8, and Windows Server 2003. Customers running Windows 10 were not targeted by the attack today.”

WannaCrypts ransom message

We at SUPERAntiSpyware stress that you also make sure you are using the latest edition of SUPERAntiSpyware, version 6.0.1240 as of this blog post with the most recent definitions AND make sure you have Real-Time Protection set to enabled.

If you have your Windows Firewall disabled, immediately enable it. If you have a third-party Firewall, make sure it is enabled and the software is current.

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How to deal with Tech Support Scams

How to deal with Tech Support Scams Now!

You get a pop-up message that says you’re infected and for you to call “Microsoft” Tech Support with the provided number, a voice may come from your speaker instructs you that your data is in harm’s way and you should not shut off your PC. In a panic, PC users call this number and long story short, end up paying hundreds of dollars to a scam artist that claimed to fix something that was never an issue to begin with. This story is common today if you read the news.

A tech support scam artist claims to be an employee (or work with) of a major software company offering technical support to the victim. This can range from someone claiming to be your ISP, your cable provider, or even a Apple or Microsoft. The scam artist will claim the “company” has received notifications of errors, viruses, or issues from the victim’s PC. Scam artists are also claiming to work on behalf of the government to fight computer viruses and threats from enemy nations, hackers and terrorist organizations.

How they get you

Tech Support scam artists have a few tricks to try to extort you or scare you into paying them:

Cold Call. You’ll get a random call from the scammer who claims your PC is infected or has a serious error.

Pop-Up or Rogue Website. This is the more popular tactic where the victim will accidentally stumble upon a rogue website or receive a pop-up claiming you have a Windows OS Blue Screen Error, a massive data error, or a serious infection. Sometimes, it will lock your screen up and freeze your internet browser, or play a sound or voice over the speaker in an attempt to scare the victim. The pop-up or rogue website will always include the scam phone number for the victim to call.

Once you are speaking to them and letting them in

They will attempt to scare you further and instruct you to allow them to remote access your PC or devices to “fix” them. One they are in, they will claim they found the “errors” or “viruses” and ask you to pay for them to be removed, this usually amounts to hundreds of dollars. The money is collected from the victim usually by debit/credit card, wire transfer, or even prepaid gift carts!

If the tech support scammers are remotely accessing your devices, they can use this as a way to hold your information hostage and ransom you. They can intentionally install malware onto your PC, or steal your sensitive data on your PC such as passwords, financial accounts, and other data. There have been reports of the scammers becoming so agitated they have threatened to destroy the computer and all its data unless the victim pays on spot.

What can you do to stop them?

We at SUPERAntiSpyware recommend a few different forms of defense and mitigation against the plague of tech support scams:

Do NOT give out credit card or bank information.

Recognizing what is occurring and ending the call immediately if you are speaking to a tech support scammer.

Do not allow unknown and unverified organizations remote access your devices such as your phone or PC.

Make sure you are using the latest version of SUPERAntiSpyware and it is up to date.

If you see a pop-up or you stumble upon a rogue website that is claiming you are infected, have an error, or a Blue Screen of Death go ahead and close your web browser, if needed force it down via the Process Manager. If you cannot do that, reboot your machine.

If you are a victim

File a fraud report with your Bank or Card issuer immediately and stop payment, or see if you can dispute the payment if it has already been made.

File a Complaint with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center

Change your passwords to the services the tech support scam artists may have uncovered when they remote accessed your PC.

Remove any remote access software the scam artist may have had you install on your PC.