SOLVED! Nine Steps to stop and remove fake virus alerts.

04.13.23 03:44 PM By Ron Kulik

Fake virus alert pop-ups can be annoying and potentially harmful. Here are some steps you can take to get rid of them:

  1. Do not click on the pop-up or any buttons within it. Clicking on the pop-up or any of its buttons may lead to further issues or the installation of malicious software.

  2. Close the pop-up: On Windows, you can press Alt + F4 or use the task manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to close the browser or application showing the pop-up. On Mac, press Command + Option + Esc to open the Force Quit Applications window and close the affected browser or application.

  3. Clear your browser cache: Fake pop-ups may appear due to malicious scripts stored in your browser cache. Clearing the cache can help remove these scripts. Instructions for clearing the cache vary depending on the browser you are using. Typically, you can find this option under the browser's settings or preferences menu.

  4. Disable suspicious browser extensions: Fake pop-ups can be caused by malicious browser extensions. To disable or remove extensions, go to your browser's settings or extensions menu and look for a list of installed extensions. Disable or remove any extensions that you don't recognize or trust.

  5. Run a full system scan with reputable antivirus software: Use a reputable antivirus or anti-malware program to scan your computer for any potential threats. Make sure your antivirus software is up to date before running the scan.

  6. Update your operating system and software: Keeping your operating system and software up to date helps protect against known vulnerabilities that hackers may exploit. Enable automatic updates whenever possible.

  7. Be cautious when browsing: Fake virus alert pop-ups often appear on suspicious or compromised websites. Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading files from unfamiliar or untrustworthy sources.

  8. Enable pop-up blockers: Most modern web browsers have built-in pop-up blockers that can help prevent fake virus alert pop-ups. Ensure your pop-up blocker is enabled in your browser settings.

  9. Be vigilant about cybersecurity: Practice good cybersecurity habits such as not downloading files from untrusted sources, avoiding suspicious websites, and being cautious when clicking on links or pop-ups.

Ron Kulik