Virus trying to attach to my computer when I am on TDP

[ddt0725]

Can you identify the application that pops up the "Viruses have been found..." dialog?
If it's related to your anti-virus, it might be something that's already there but gets activated somehow and detected.
If it's not, then I think it might be an adware that tries to get you click on the scan button to get you somewhere; a page where you can buy an antivirus for example.

In any case, a full scan seems required. If you can get rid of it a painful format/install might be required

The message "this scanning attachment" doesn't sound right to me and I'd be surprised that an anti-virus outputs a message like this.

I don't really know what you mean by identify the application? All I did when it came up was click on the header "Reviews" and "News" at the top of the page. It only comes up when I am in TDP and it isn't the anti-virus that is putting out the message, at least it isn't my anti-virus. It is a fake to get me to do something that I most definitely shouldn't. Since I have clicked the page shut instead of doing what it asks me to do, I don't think my computer got infected from it. I have run a check on my computer and nothing shows up.

[Richard Lane]

It is a fake to get me to do something that I most definitely shouldn't. Since I have clicked the page shut instead of doing what it asks me to do, I don't think my computer got infected from it.

If anyone has to close a fake anti-virus scanning window, the best way to do this is from the taskbar (bottom toolbar in windows) and right click on the link in the bottom toolbar and choose close, or you can possibly close the malware in task manager. Most of the time, just clicking on the "X" on the pop-up window will trigger the malware app.

Also for others having this problem, make sure your operating system and browser software are up to date, as well as your Anti-Virus Software, Adobe Flash player, and java (if you have it installed). Most of the time, malware tries to exploit weaknesses in outdated software.

Rich

[HDNitehawk]

If anyone has to close a fake anti-virus scanning window, the best way to do this is from the taskbar (bottom toolbar in windows) and right click on the link in the bottom toolbar and choose close, or you can possibly close the malware in task manager. Most of the time, just clicking on the "X" on the pop-up window will trigger the malware app.

I have been doing this for as long as I remember.

But actually the "best way" to end this problem is when money permits, go buy a Mac .

[shutterdown]

But actually the "best way" to end this problem is when money permits, go buy a Mac .

Our company uses PCs. A few Mac users around, but the IT guy told us that they'd eventually "root them out."

But, I think the real reason Macs aren't targeted, is because no one cares, since there are so few of them around.

[M_Six]

I use the latest version of Firefox with several free add-ons: Ad-Blocker Plus (ABP), No Script, and Ghostery. ABP and Ghostery are set-and-forget. No Script takes a bit of getting use to and has a minor learning curve. But the 3 together pretty much prevent any ads from showing at all (sorry, Bryan) which speeds up browsing immensely. I also have no fear of any site as No Script will allow, well...no script to run without my giving it explicit permission. I've ditched the annoying, CPU hogging McAfee anti-virus in favor of Microsoft's Security Essentials (free) and Windows Defender, which come with Windows 7. Even if you use a Mac, Firefox and the add-ons work wonders. I allow the scripts on TDP to run, but I see no ads, so I've never seen the issue discussed in this thread. The malware is installed on your machine when you click on the offending ad. If you never see the ad to begin with, you have no worries. As a minimum, use Firefox and Ad-Blocker Plus. You'll instantly be surfing safer and faster.

[HDNitehawk]

Our company uses PCs. A few Mac users around, but the IT guy told us that they'd eventually "root them out."

But, I think the real reason Macs aren't targeted, is because no one cares, since there are so few of them around.

It should be obvious the IT guys don't want you to use Mac's. As long as you stay with PC's they have job security.

[ddt0725]

Forgot to mention that my daughter said it is the same thing that popped up on her computer awhile back and she had to do a complete restore to factory settings because she didn't know it was a fake and did what it says. It does look exactly like Microsoft Security Essentials screen behind the little box that wants you to click "ok".