Microsoft Imposter Scareware: What it is and How To Resolve It

In the online age, simple tasks such as browsing, shopping, working or anything in between often bring us across lurking cybersecurity threats or scams sitting right under our noses. Ads, pop ups, mysterious links, fake emails are just a few of the most common phishing or scam tactics deployed by malicious users all with the common goal of stealing your data, or worse, fooling you into willingly giving it away. One of the most common issues we see here at Westgate Computers is scareware. In this blog, we will go over what scareware is, what it looks like, what causes it and most importantly, how to deal with it.

What is scareware?

Scareware is a malicious form of computer programs, most commonly seen in the form of pop ups on your web browser that solicit you into downloading a program, paying a fee, or calling a number for a fake fix, when in reality, someone on the other end is waiting to steal your personal data, bank information, or request a payment.

Scareware often pop up images of credible companies like Microsoft, displaying a number for you to call, and playing a voice over telling you that your system is infected. On top of all of this, the browser locks down your mouse input, effectively trapping you on the screen with no control; just a loud voice that will not stop telling you how your device is infected, when that is not actually the case.

That is how they get you.

Odds are, you have probably seen this firsthand. It is becoming increasingly common among users, and will only continue to become more prominent as the holiday season approaches, with more ads, and more internet traffic on websites.

What causes scareware?

The cause for scareware can be just about anything, but the most prominent come when either a user clicks on a seemingly innocent looking advertisement and then are routed to a fake website, or just simply an unblockable pop up that occurs totally randomly. This coming holiday season, be very cautious of the links you click on, especially ads, as this is where scareware usually likes to hide.

This is a common example of what scareware usually looks like. A pile of pop ups, all playing sound and locking your inputs to scare you into calling a fake Microsoft number, and it's anyone's game from that point. 

How Do I Stop It?

You may have been here before… Mouse will not respond, the volume won't turn down, you are stuck. Fear starts to set it, hence the name scareware! That is its purpose. The fix is actually incredibly simple, and you can do this all without needing to call someone!

On your keyboard press and hold, in this order. “Ctrl” “shift” “esc”, and this will bring up your task manager. You want to click on “processes,” and this page will come up: 

Once here, you will see whatever web browser you are using, it will be close to the top. Right click, select “end task,” and this should close the scareware. This issue is all too common, and the fix is quite simple but many users are unaware. 

If this ever happens to you, Westgate Computers is happy to help! Give us a call at 806-352-4243 and ask about our managed services.