Windows Web Security

[Gloria E]

Yesterday I received a message that Windows Web Security had found critical process activity on my system and will perform a fast scan of my System Files, the title of the message was Windows Security Alert.


The scan had automatically started and I didn't know wether to stop it or not. Before I could decide it stopped and listed loads of names and file names of what was found. By this time I scared to death and didn't know what to do next. Another message appeared that said "Your computer is infected, we recommend you click Start Protection to erase all threats. Foolishly, I think, I clicked the button and nothing happened.

Have I been tricked in to doing something dangerous and foolish? If so, what can I do about it. I also ran a search for some of the so called virus names and none were found.

I need serious help with this as soon as possible.

Gloria E

[Timelord]

I found this:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/wind ... 6759a70034" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[HansV]

That is definitely one of those fake security alerts that try to scare you into buying a fake anti-virus program. Hopefully, your real anti-virus program has already stopped it, but to be on the safe side, run a full scan with MalwareBytes Anti-Malware (if I remember correctly, you have that - see Scare of my life).

[viking33]

Yep, That's another phony scare ware thing.
As Hans said, run your other AV and malware programs to make sure you are OK but my guess is you'll be fine.

[tedshemyers]

When you get one of these scareware things, it is best stopped using the Task Manager (Ctrl+Alt+Del) to stop the process. Some of these nasties have had the Red X reprogrammed to start the process.

[DaveA]

Whick RED x?
I hope you do NOT mean this one?

[StuartR]

Whick RED x?
I hope you do NOT mean this one?

That is indeed the one. The only safe ways to close some of these malware Windows are to power off the computer, or to use task manager to kill the process.

[DaveA]

BUT, there is NO RED X, it is WHITE on a RED button.

[PaulB]

Details, details...

[Gloria E]

That is definitely one of those fake security alerts that try to scare you into buying a fake anti-virus program. Hopefully, your real anti-virus program has already stopped it, but to be on the safe side, run a full scan with MalwareBytes Anti-Malware (if I remember correctly, you have that - see Scare of my life).

Thanks Guys for all those comments by Ted, Bob and Timelord (for his link).

I figured that's what it was. This is the second time I've been scared. I did use Task Manager and closed it that way. I read about the sneaky programs that use the red x to continue with the scare tatic. I ran Webroot, MalwareBytes (entire scan) and Super AntiSpyware , none of them found anything except cookies. My computer has not been affected in anyway and is humming along like it always does.

I wonder why they suddenly realize that I'm alive, I've been ignored by those kind of program for years. All of a sudden they're showing up, I know what to do for them the next time.

Thanks again gentlemen,

Gloria E

[Bigaldoc]

Paraphrasing what they said in the old movie: "You Go, Gloria!"

[DaveA]

Details, details...

No worst than our Site spell and grammar checkers?

[PaulB]

Details, details...

No worst than our Site spell and grammar checkers?

I wish!