'Windows Network Defender' Pop-Ups

The 'Windows Network Defender' pop-ups are part of a known tactic that is designed to fool ingenuous computer users into paying for a bogus technical support service. The 'Windows Network Defender' pop-ups will attempt to convince computer users to call the telephone number 844-710-0803. If your Web browser is displaying the 'Windows Network Defender' pop-ups, you should ignore their content and to avoid interacting in any way with the 'Windows Network Defender' pop-ups. Instead, computer users should close their Web browsers and use a legitimate security application to protect their computers from a possible intrusion.

What may Cause the 'Windows Network Defender' Pop-Ups?

The 'Windows Network Defender' pop-ups may either indicate that you are visiting a website with poorly managed advertisement content, or your Web browser has been infiltrated by a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program). If the 'Windows Network Defender' pop-ups are appearing regardless of the website you visit, then this indicates that your Web browser has been affected by an unwanted component. If the 'Windows Network Defender' pop-ups only appear when visiting a specific Web page, then it is more likely that the problem is present on the website rather than on your Web browser. In either case, the appearance of the 'Windows Network Defender' pop-ups should be treated as a symptom of a possible unwanted component and should be followed by a thorough examination of your computer.

The 'Windows Network Defender' Pop-Ups and Their Associated Tactic

Computer users have reported that the 'Windows Network Defender' pop-ups may not allow you to close their dialog boxes, even after clicking on the 'OK' button. The 'Windows Network Defender' pop-ups may display a messages saying “A browser lock is in place to prevent further infection of your network and the networks of others. Call +1 844 710 0803 (TOLL FREE) for immediate assistance.' Calling this number leads to a known tactic that will attempt to convince computer users to install threats on their computers, disclose information, and pay large sums of money for a fake anti-virus protection.

Computer users have reported that after calling the number contained in the 'Windows Network Defender' pop-ups, they are answered by an individual that is clearly not a native English speaker, making it likely that the operation responsible for the 'Windows Network Defender' pop-ups is located in a country outside of the United States. The person answering may ask some information from the caller, such as name, address and median income. Then they may attempt to install a remote desktop tool that allows them to have access to the affected machine from a remote location. The purpose of this is to convince computer users that they need to pay at least $99 USD (and more) for a supposed 'anti-virus protection package.'

Risks of the 'Windows Network Defender' Pop-Ups

There are numerous risks that may be associated with having to deal with the 'Windows Network Defender' pop-ups or call the number included in these unwanted messages, including the following:

• The person on the other end of the line may have installed a RAT (Remote Access Tool) on your computer. Using this tool, anyone from a remote location can access a computer and retrieve data such as documents, settings, passwords, credit card data and other information. It is also possible for that person to install other software on the affected computer in order to control it from afar or to carry out different kinds of operations on the affected PC.
• Data gathered while interviewing the computer user may be used for identity theft purposes and lead to loss of banking account privileges or substantial credit or monetary problems.
• The presence of the 'Windows Network Defender' pop-ups may indicate the presence of a PUP that may cause various performance problems and other issues on an affected PC.