Information
Often users will click links directing them to fake anti-virus scan site pop-ups by not checking the actual site address in the search results. This commonly occurs when clicking on "Sponsored Ads" or malicious links.
Example of a common fake security alert.
Microsoft Edge Example:
Google Chrome Example:
Environment
- Web Browsers
- Yahoo Search / General Search Engines
Process
- Close the browser without clicking any links or buttons on the fake page. This can be done by:
- Pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, right-clicking the browser, and selecting End Task.
- Pressing Ctrl + W (Command + W on Mac) to close the current tab.
- Pressing Alt + F4 (Command + Q on Mac) to close the entire application.
- Pressing Alt + Left Arrow (Command + [ on Mac) to navigate back to a safe page.
- Reopen the browser WITHOUT selecting "Restore Pages" or "Restore Tabs" if prompted.
- Clear your Browser Cache and Cookies (opens in a new window).
- Check your saved links or bookmarks for any suspicious or malicious additions.
- Continue browsing the web safely and avoid clicking on unfamiliar "Sponsored" search results.