12/01/2022
Getting the word out!
Hi everyone! Brad from Guibtec Consulting, LLC here. I want to take some time to let everyone no that some security issues are taking place around the world. I know that it is always happening around us, but some times it’s more prevalent. Hacking, phishing as well as malware are a constant issue in our daily computer life.
Currently we are having a lot of the fake virus alert popups displaying on computers. This can be activated just by going onto legitament sites that have been hacked or have ads placed by bad actors on them. They could also be a result of extensions placed in your browser that redirect you to a bad actor's website, so they can try to get personal information or credit card information from you.
If anything like this should happen to you:
Browser redirect: Close the browser. Try opening browser again and if your normal home page comes up, click menu - More tools- Extensions. Remove any extensions that look suspicious, especially the ones you did not install. Close the browser and reopen it to deactivate the extensions it was using. Run an antivirus and a Malware scan.
Fake virus alert popup: These usually will have a number on them for you to call. Do not call this number! Do not click on it!
Stay calm and close the popup.
In order to do this you will need to click and hold each of these keys on the keyboard in this order. ( ctrl, alt and delete ). Let go of the keys after pressing the delete key and a screen will come up with four choices. Click the task manager.
When the task manager opens, look in the Apps section. You will see the programs you are running. If the popup came up when browsing the web, look for Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome in the list. Left click it and left click the End task button on the bottom right of the window. You can also right click the program in the list and left click the End task in the menu that pops up. Phew!
This closes the annoying item, but your work is not done. At this point you need to do a virus scan and a malware scan. When done with this you will also need to delete your browser's cookies and temporary internet files. Warning! Doing this will mean that you will have to sign in to each account you have again, so be sure you have your passwords.
When you are done with this you should go to Features and Programs in your settings area. Here you need to scroll through all the listed programs and check to see if any suspicious programs are installed. Be careful not to delete anything you are not sure of.
Run an antivirus and a Malware scan.
All done! Check for system updates and check the system for malware regularly!
