Your Computer Is Severely Damaged Pop-up Scam

During an investigation into suspicious websites, researchers uncovered a tactic known as 'Your Computer Is Severely Damaged.' This scheme involves a deceptive setup featuring a counterfeit system scan and numerous threat alerts, all programmed to trick users into downloading and installing the software being promoted. It's important to highlight that this tactic is entirely independent of any legitimate anti-malware or security products, as well as their developers. Users should be aware that engaging with this tactic can lead to potential harm to their devices and personal information.

The Your Computer Is Severely Damaged Pop-up Scam Relies on Fake Malware Alerts

Upon accessing the 'Your Computer Is Severely Damaged' page, visitors encounter a pop-up window claiming that their device has been infected with thirty threats. The message suggests that these threats have already caused 28.1% damage to the computer and pose a risk of corrupting the hard disk and compromising private information, such as contacts and photos. The pop-up alleges that these threats originated from adult-oriented websites recently visited by the user.

Instructions for removing the infections are listed within the pop-up. Upon clicking the 'Repair Now' button, the scheme initiates a fake system scan that continually detects supposed issues. The final threat report urgently advises the user to utilize an anti-malware program without delay.

It is essential to recognize that all information presented by the page is fabricated. No website has the capability to conduct scans or detect threats on visitors' devices. Moreover, the purported warnings are not affiliated with any reputable organizations.

In many cases, schemes of this nature promote fraudulent, unreliable, and potentially unsafe software. Consequently, by falling for this tactic, users risk installing fake anti-malware, adware, browser hijackers, Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs), Trojans, ransomware or other forms of malware onto their systems.

Furthermore, some deceptive pages redirect users to the official websites of legitimate products or services. This is done to enable fraudsters to earn illegitimate commissions by exploiting the affiliate programs associated with the endorsed content. It is important to note that there are no guarantees that a scheme will continue leading to genuine sites. Instead, users may be redirected to imitator Web pages hosting unwanted or unsafe software.

Don't Believe Sites Claiming to Have Detected Malware on Your Devices

Websites cannot perform scans for malware on users' devices primarily due to technical limitations and privacy concerns.

• Technical Limitations: Websites operate within the confines of web browsers and are restricted by the browser's sandboxing mechanisms. These mechanisms prevent websites from accessing or interacting with files and processes on the user's device. As a result, websites lack the necessary permissions and capabilities to conduct scans for malware or detect threats present on the user's device.
•  Security Concerns: Allowing websites to conduct scans for malware on users' devices would pose significant security risks. Granting websites access to system files and processes could potentially jeopardize the security and integrity of the user's device. Fraudulent websites could exploit this access to install malware, collect sensitive information, or perform other unsafe activities without the user's consent.
•  Privacy Considerations: Conducting scans for malware on users' devices would require websites to access and analyze the contents of the device, including files, directories and system processes. This would raise serious privacy concerns as it could potentially expose sensitive information to the website operator or third parties. Users expect a certain level of privacy and control over their devices, and allowing websites to perform scans for malware would infringe upon these expectations.

In summary, websites cannot perform scans for malware on users' devices due to technical limitations, security concerns and privacy considerations. Users should rely on reputable anti-malware software installed on their devices to detect and remove malware effectively.