Windows Network Defender Pop-Ups

The 'Windows Network Defender' pop-ups are phishing tactics that may promote contact between the computer user and a con artist, who typically poses as a PC repair technician. Refraining from transferring any information or money to these con artists is a core defense against such technical support hoaxes. However, the 'Windows Network Defender' pop-ups also may include threatening content that may harm your ability to use your browser or the rest of your PC. For removing the 'Windows Network Defender' pop-ups that reoccur, malware researchers advise no lesser solution than scanning your PC with dedicated anti-malware tools of a reputable brand.

A Network Defense No PC Needs

The 'Windows Network Defender' pop-ups are examples of 2015's trends in the evolving strategies of online con artists without attacking any individual, specific type of Web browser. While they deliver information implying that they're official features of your Windows security system, the 'Windows Network Defender' pop-ups have no affiliation with Microsoft or other, legitimate companies. They ordinarily are loaded by threatening websites, websites with compromised advertisement servers or adware products exercising poor affiliate security.

The 'Windows Network Defender' pop-ups promote fraudulent technical support hotlines intended to redirect any random victims to a technical support hoax. Con artists involved in these actions may use the 'Windows Network Defender' pop-ups as lead-ins for various attacks, including:

• You may be asked to spend money on a fraudulent computer product or repair service, including defraggers, Registry cleaners and anti-virus scanners.
• Con artists may request permission to modify your PC's settings in ways that may allow them to have remote access to it. This remote connection may install threats or collect information.
• You may be asked to transfer information as part of the PC repair process, potentially including your phone number or credit card number.

Defending Yourself from a Browser Lockdown

Regardless of the specific attacks made, malware researchers always associate the 'Windows Network Defender' pop-ups with attempts to profit off of random Web traffic by displaying fake security information. So far, they have yet to observe any 'Windows Network Defender' pop-ups campaigns directed at specific NGOs, businesses or governments. These traits do reduce the risk of exposure to the 'Windows Network Defender' pop-ups from targeted methods like e-mail attachments. However, they also may indicate an increased chance of seeing the 'Windows Network Defender' pop-ups on low-security websites and other 'watering hole' sources.

Malware researchers also see the 'Windows Network Defender' pop-ups occasionally including threatening scripts, which could lock your Web browser by preventing you from closing the window. These inclusions, highly reminiscent of previous ransomware attacks, should be blocked by rebooting your PC in Safe Mode and keeping your browser closed. From that environment, anti-malware and anti-adware utilities may scan your computer for all threats and, hopefully, remove all the 'Windows Network Defender' pop-ups for good.