Home Malware Programs Browser Hijackers 'Code B2957E' Pop-Ups

'Code B2957E' Pop-Ups

Posted: July 15, 2016

The 'Code B2957E' pop-ups are fake Windows warnings that redirect the user into a phone contact with con artists. Many attacks of this category serve as deployment methods for threats or tactics that could take money from their victims. Malware experts highly recommend ignoring all misleading information provided in these pop-ups and using anti-malware tools to remove the 'Code B2957E' pop-ups showing any unusual level of persistence from your PC.

An Errant Lightning Bolt from 'Zeus' for Your Browser

Trojan developers and other hangers-on in the threatening software industry often try to capitalize on the success of separate campaigns, such as warning their victims that a relatively simple threat is an infamous piece of threat like the Keylogger Zeus. This level of deceit doesn't stop with just how they self-identify their products; malware analysts also note incidents like the 'Code B2957E' pop-ups campaign, which bases itself on a modern twist on an old security tactic.

The 'Code B2957E' pop-ups distribute themselves through compromised or toxic websites, such as Defaultprogramssystem.com. When loaded, they deliver pop-up messages imitating the features of a Windows security warning, albeit with an incorrect format. Most notably, the 'Code B2957E' pop-ups error codes don't confirm to the standards set by previous Microsoft Windows errors. Unusually, they also identify a specific, high-profile piece of threat, the Keylogger Zeus, that supposedly infects the associated PC. The Keylogger Zeus (AKA Zbot or ZeuS) is a man-in-the-browser style spyware product that records keystrokes and collects login information, particularly from prominent bank websites.

The 'Code B2957E' pop-ups ask the computer user to contact technical support over the phone for assistance with this infection. These circumstances give con artists plausible justifications for trying to gain remote access to your computer (such as via a remote desktop program), installing unwanted software, or asking for money in return for their non-existent security services.

Getting a Persistent 'Technical Support' out of a Browser

The 'Code B2957E' pop-ups are symptoms of the current inclination of Web tactics to maximize the possible benefit from the infamy of well-designed threat products with extensive, newsworthy campaigns. However, even basic knowledge of the norms in Windows security practices can help a computer user to identify the 'Code B2957E' pop-ups as separate entities from all real security alerts. The 'Code B2957E' pop-ups don't conform to the strict error code standards in use by the Microsoft OS, incorrectly identify the Keylogger Zeus as being a virus, and use pop-up formats not commonly associated with the operating system UI.

Equally meaningfully, the 'Code B2957E' pop-ups ask their readers to make contact with an unidentified support technician over the phone, which is not a standard practice for any Windows error message. Treat any information given to entities associated with the 'Code B2957E' pop-ups as being in misplaced possession, and take any other steps needed for re-securing either your PC or your accounts.

Although malware experts have not linked the 'Code B2957E' pop-ups with direct attempts to install threats, these threats do show a level of system persistence. If the 'Code B2957E' pop-ups continue launching in a post-reboot state, use anti-malware products to scan your system and remove any files associated with the 'Code B2957E' pop-ups. You also may need to erase cookies and other, temporary browser-associated content.

As usual, concerned Web browsers can best protect their PCs by avoiding suspicious websites and using live browsing protection.

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