Home Malware Programs Browser Hijackers 'Critical System Failure' Tech Support Scam

'Critical System Failure' Tech Support Scam

Posted: September 21, 2016

The 'Critical System Failure' Tech Support Scam is a computer hoax that works by tricking people into thinking that their computers have been hacked. The tactic is linked to a corrupted file that, when executed, displays a Windows lock screen and prevents users from accessing their desktops, as well as important Windows features such as the Task Manager and the Registry Editor. The authors of the fake lock screen have borrowed some of Windows 7's design features, so their program may look legitimate at first. The lock screen displays a new window labeled 'Critical System Failure' which tells users that Windows security has been compromised, and they must call 855-616-6772 for help immediately. The window also includes a computer ID which is hard-coded in the application and is the same for all affected users.

855-616-6772 is associated with more than one technical support tactics, and the 'Critical System Failure' window is nothing more than the next pitiful attempt to take money from innocent computer users. You can rest assured that calling 855-616-6772 will not help you solve any computer issue! The solutions that the con artists may propose may often include offers to purchase expensive software and fake technical support services. Even the expensive software that the 'Critical System Failure' tech support tactic promotes may end up being low-quality PC optimization software that many anti-malware vendors identify as 'Potentially Unwanted Programs.'

The lock screen asks users to enter a 'Response Code,' which they can receive by calling the technical support number. The bad news is that getting the code will not be free, but the good news is that the con artists are not that smart, and they use a single code for all lock screen windows. If you ever come across the 'Critical System Failure' tech support scam you can simply unlock your desktop by entering '642358497351' in the response code field. Don't forget that doing this will not remove the unwanted software from your computer! To get rid of the 'Critical System Failure' tech support scam once and for all you should use a reliable anti-malware scanning utility.

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