Threat Database Browser Hijackers 'BOSC Warning' Pop-Up

'BOSC Warning' Pop-Up

By GoldSparrow in Browser Hijackers

Threat Scorecard

Threat Level: 80 % (High)
Infected Computers: 1
First Seen: December 10, 2015
Last Seen: April 10, 2020
OS(es) Affected: Windows

The 'BOSC Warning' message is an irritating pop-up message that may create an annoying beeping noise. Computer users should ignore the contents of the 'BOSC Warning' and avoid interacting with this message in any way. The 'BOSC Warning' is part of a known online tactic that involves a fake technical support service that will try to take money from inexperienced computer users. If your Web browser is displaying the 'BOSC Warning,' close it immediately and use a reliable security application to disable any components that may be causing the 'BOSC Warning' to appear.

How Con Artists may Use the 'BOSC Warning'

According to reports received by malware analysts, the 'BOSC Warning' may cause a beeping noise that cannot be turned off. The 'BOSC Warning' contains a phone number and prevents computer users from closing the Web browser window. Computer users that have called the 'BOSC Warning' phone number have reported that the person answering self-identifies as a Microsoft tech support employee. As part of the 'BOSC Warning' tactic, this supposed employee will try to gain remote access to the affected computer by enabling the installation of a RAT (Remote Access Trojan). The fake tech support agent will try to perform a 'scan' of the affected computer, with the intent of gaining access to the computer user's data and ask for an elevated amount of money in exchange for this bogus technical support service.

Identifying Hoaxes Such as the 'BOSC Warning'

Computer users should avoid calling any technical support number that appears on pop-up windows on their Web browser. It is relatively simple to establish contact with legitimate Microsoft or Apple representatives without having to resort to information contained in suspicious, third party messages. Hoax-related calls like the one associated with the 'BOSC Warning' are a common way of taking advantage of inexperienced computer users. Legitimate Microsoft representatives do not engage in anything similar to these kinds of phone technical support 'services.' When dealing with tactics such as the 'BOSC Warning', you should remember the following:

  1. Fake technical support services like those associated with the 'BOSC Warning' will try to convince you to pay for a bogus anti-virus program or technical support service.
  2. When dealing with the people involved in this tactic, you may notice that they may not be upfront about the fees or subscription associated with this supposed technical support service.
  3. A large priority for these types of tactics is to obtain control over your computer. Because of this, your should never give control of your computer unless you receive confirmation from a third-party that you are dealing with a legitimate computer support service that you have already hired and know first hand to be reputable.
  4. Malware analysts strongly advise computer users to keep on hand the information for the number called and report all this data to police authorities to aid in the capture of these types of scammers.
  5. In most cases, con artists related with the 'BOSC Warning' will try to obtain your credit card data or online banking information. PC security researchers strongly advise that computer users should block and report these charges if they have already made the mistake of sharing their credit card data with the 'BOSC Warning' con artists.

Computer users should hang up the phone immediately if they are in contact with the 'BOSC Warning' fraudsters. The 'BOSC Warning' message may be caused by poorly regulated advertisement content or a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) already present on your computer. A security application should be used to stop or prevent the appearance of the 'BOSC Warning' message on your computer.

Trending

Most Viewed

Loading...