Cybersecurity Threats: What is Adware?

Beware of Fake Alert Messages from "Microsoft" and "IT Support"

If you suddenly get a pop-up message on your browser while you are doing your normal online activities, and it's telling you that you have problems on your computer, be wary. It's not a new scam, but it it is one that is making the rounds again. The cybercriminals behind this scheme use fear and manipulation to get people to give them access to their computer, and then get their credit card information. 

How to Recognize the Attack

The messages are a result of an advertisement (or adware) that is activated when you visit an infected website. The owners of the website in question probably do not even know that their site has been compromised and their visitors attacked. As in the examples included in this post, the vicitm sees a message that looks like it is from the web page, or something similar. The message contains a warning that the victim's computer may have been infected, and may also include fake details such as file types that have been exposed.

In the example messages, you'll see that a phone number is provided to get "help" with this problem. Calling this number will connect you with a "Tech Support" person who will ask you to go to a web page where they have software ready to download onto your machine so that they can remote in. Once there, they will "find" problems and act like they are helping you. To make this worth their while, the cybercriminals have some monetary gain so their plot is to entice you to give them your credit card number in return for their help in "cleaning" your machine.

What You Should Do

Do not call the number. Get in contact with your own trusted tech support person or company. Give them details of the incident and ask them to scan your machine and to take care of any unwanted programs or files.

Be Wary, Be Wise

Many, many people have fallen victim to cyberattacks like this and other social engineering schemes. Becoming aware of the types of tricks that cybercriminals attempt will help you build a layer of defense that will be less likely to allow an intruder access to data and account information, whether you are at work or at home. 

Strengthen the human layer of defense by learning about other ways you can be wise to cyberattack schemes by downloading our E-Book Cybersecurity Guidelines for Online and in the Office.