’855-855-6173′ Pop-Ups

The '855-855-6173' pop-ups are phishing attacks that may deliver inaccurate security information as lures for requesting information, money, or even access to your computer. While the '855-855-6173' pop-ups do provide information in a format referencing real Windows components and problems, all information offered may be fake, and following the advice of these attacks will not repair your computer. Just as with other browser-based threats, malware experts recommend using anti-malware scans for removing the '855-855-6173' pop-ups and any software that might generate them.

The Framework of a Common Browser Tactic

The '855-855-6173' pop-ups are one of an increasingly popular sub-category of phishing attacks: technical support hoaxes using fake system repair services as their cover. Most recently, malware experts saw the '855-855-6173' pop-ups circulating on social networking sites like Facebook. The links were obfuscated to resemble image files, but, when clicked, exposed the Facebook user to the pop-up and invasive, scripted content.

The '855-855-6173' pop-ups follow the standards typical of its genre of attacks by loading fake system information meant to force computer users into panicking. While claiming that your PC is suffering from .NET Framework errors, the '855-855-6173' pop-ups promote a fraudulent Microsoft support line to resolve the issue. Con artists manning the fake support number may conduct different attacks in different scenarios. However, malware experts most often see the following problems that may occur as direct results of contacting these fraudulent hotlines:

• You may be asked to make system changes that provide a remote attacker with the ability to control your PC. These changes often are made via remote desktop applications, and may help third parties to install threats, modify your PC in other ways or collect information.
• You also may be asked to purchase a (usually fraudulent) PC repair service or program to fix your machine. Typical prices in these hoaxes often start at 100 USD and move upwards, far higher than industry standards.

The '855-855-6173' pop-ups also may make the inaccurate claim that restarting your PC could lead to permanent data loss or system damage, presumably to stop them from terminating the pop-up.

Taking the Edge Off of an Edge Pop-Up Attack

In the recent past, malware experts have seen hoaxes like the '855-855-6173' pop-ups targeting different browsers with minimal discrimination between them. However, the '855-855-6173' pop-ups have been notably observed in the Microsoft's Edge browser. Regardless of what browser you might use, you should understand that Microsoft never will use pop-ups to deliver detailed technical alerts or sell the services of premium service packages. All sites responsible for loading the '855-855-6173' pop-ups or equivalent attacks should be noted for being threatening or, at the least, compromised by a third party.

Besides their primary dishonest content, the '855-855-6173' pop-ups also may include scripted content that may prevent you from closing or minimizing your Web browser. Although these attacks may appear to 'lock' your computer, knowing basic keyboard shortcuts and using tools like Task Manager still can let you circumvent and close the '855-855-6173' pop-ups. As an alternative, you also may force a system restart and select Safe Mode as an advanced startup option. No matter which method you prefer for closing the '855-855-6173' pop-ups, you should analyze your PC with an anti-malware product immediately afterward.