Question
Issue: How to remove “Your device is under threat” pop-up?
Hi guys. For the last couple of days Windows Defender keeps showing a notification, which says “Your device is under threat.” It says to turn on virus protection. OK, so I opened Windows Defender and double checked that virus protection is on. I also ran a scan, but no threats were found. So messy… What should I do?
Solved Answer
Cyber criminals started spreading a new type of Tech-Support-Scam,[1] which is currently referred to as “Your device is under threat” alert. Just like other scams, this one shows up on a web browser and reports a spyware/riskware infection.
In comparison to Windows Support Alert, Windows has detected a malicious virus, Google Chrome fatal error and other scams, “Your device is under threat” scam diverges from the rest as it mimics the interface of Windows Defender. People see a window identical to Windows Defender Security Center, which shows a Virus & Threat Protection feature[2] disabled.
On the right side of the browser’s window, “Your device is under threat” pop-up features a fake Action Center, which urges to turn on virus protection and call for remote tech support to prevent system from damage and data loss.
The “Your device is under threat” scam is not malicious, so once you see it, close your web browser’s window and check the system for malware. In general, tech support scam alerts are caused by adware infection, which might be installed onto your PC along with a free program like a download manager or PDF converter.
However, the “Your device is under threat” is rather misleading as its developers managed to create is very realistic and professional. People who got tricked to call for supposed technicians reported that this scam is dedicated for spreading shady system optimizer.[3] The latter mimics the performance of genuine optimization tools, but instead of reporting existing PC’s problems, they provide a list of fake problems, all of which are predetermined and fake. This way, developers of third-party optimization programs seek to sell the licenses of their programs. Do not fall for this trick as you don’t need a useless optimizer.
If you think that such a tool would be of use for you, we would recommend installing FortectMac Washing Machine X9. It’s a reputable optimization tool, which will help you to remove the “Your device is under threat” scam and fix other problems, such as registry errors, cached temporary files, corrupted system files, and similar.
Nevertheless, the “Your device is under threat” error can be fixed manually. If you opt for removing this malware manually, you can use a removal tutorial given below.
“Your device is under threat” scam removal
- Close your web browser's window. If you cannot do that i a usual way, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and open Windows Task Manager.
- Find the process of your web browser, click on it, and select End Task.
Now you have to options – either remove “Your device is under threat” adware automatically using FortectMac Washing Machine X9 or another professional anti-malware, or uninstall malware manually. If you prefer the latter methods, please perform the steps:
- Press Windows key + I and open Apps section. (Windows 10)
- In earlier Windows versions you should navigate to Control Panel -> Programs & Features.
- Carefully check the list of installed programs. Uninstall unknown programs or the ones that you did not install purposely.
- Click on the unwanted program and select Uninstall.
- Then open your web browser (do not restore the last browsing session) and reset its default settings. NOTE: it's a must to reset web browser's defaults regardless whether you removed malware automatically or manually. Otherwise malicious browser plug-ins may keep pushing the “Your device is under threat” alert while you browse.
How to reset Microsoft Edge?
How to reset Google Chrome?
How to reset Mozilla Firefox?
How to reset Internet Explorer?
Get rid of programs with only one click
You can uninstall this program with the help of the step-by-step guide presented to you by ugetfix.com experts. To save your time, we have also selected tools that will help you carry out this task automatically. If you are in a hurry or if you feel that you are not experienced enough to uninstall the program by your own, feel free to use these solutions:
Access geo-restricted video content with a VPN
Private Internet Access is a VPN that can prevent your Internet Service Provider, the government, and third-parties from tracking your online and allow you to stay completely anonymous. The software provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, ensuring optimal performance and not slowing you down. You can also bypass geo-restrictions and view such services as Netflix, BBC, Disney+, and other popular streaming services without limitations, regardless of where you are.
Don’t pay ransomware authors – use alternative data recovery options
Malware attacks, particularly ransomware, are by far the biggest danger to your pictures, videos, work, or school files. Since cybercriminals use a robust encryption algorithm to lock data, it can no longer be used until a ransom in bitcoin is paid. Instead of paying hackers, you should first try to use alternative recovery methods that could help you to retrieve at least some portion of the lost data. Otherwise, you could also lose your money, along with the files. One of the best tools that could restore at least some of the encrypted files – Data Recovery Pro.
- ^ Suzanne Russell. Scams to become more sophisticated in 2018. My Central Jersey. A part of USA today network.
- ^ Nate Lord. What is advanced threat protection (atp)?. Digital Guardian. .
- ^ Lucia Danes. Corrupt PC Optimizers. 2Spyware. The highest-quality information about malware and general security.
