'ZeuS.2022 Trojan Detected' POP-UP Scam
The 'Zeus.2022 Trojan Detected' is a type of online scam that targets Windows users. It appears as a fake message that resembles a Windows security alert, warning the user that their system has been infected with the Zeus.2022 Trojan. The scam is designed to trick users into thinking that the message is legitimate and that they need to take immediate action to remove the Trojan.
However, the 'Zeus.2022 Trojan Detected' alert is a creation of fraudsters and has nothing to do with Microsoft or Windows security. If a user falls for this scam and clicks on the message, they may be redirected to dangerous websites that can compromise their personal information, infect their system with malware, or install Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs).
Fake Alerts are Shown as Part of the 'ZeuS.2022 Trojan Detected' POP-UP Scam
The 'Zeus.2022 Trojan Detected' scam page can not only trick users into believing that their computer is infected, but it can also start spamming users with annoying pop-up messages that appear as security alerts. These pop-ups are known as push notifications and can even appear when the browser is closed. The message displayed in the pop-up urges the user to click on a link to remove the virus, which is actually a fraudulent claim.
The push notifications can be part of a larger scheme, where cybercriminals use rogue advertising networks that redirect users to dangerous pages, such as fake software offers or bogus 'Downloader' sites. Users should never click on the links embedded in these pop-ups or install anything on their system, as it can lead to malware infections or the installation of PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs).
Rogue Websites Rely on False Scenarios to Trick Users
Rogue websites can trick users into unknowingly enabling push notifications through a technique called social engineering. Social engineering is a technique used by cybercriminals to induce individuals into divulging sensitive information or performing actions that are against their best interests.
In the case of rogue websites, they may display a fake security alert or message, such as the 'Zeus.2022 Trojan Detected' scam to trick users into believing that their system is infected with malware. The website may then prompt the user to click on a button or link to remove the supposed malware, but this action actually enables push notifications from the website.
Alternatively, the rogue website may offer enticing content, such as free downloads or access to exclusive content, but require the user to enable push notifications in order to access it. Once the user enables the push notifications, the website can start sending spammy messages, pop-ups, and ads, even when the browser is closed.
Rogue websites can also use deceptive tactics to disguise the push notification enablement request as something else, such as a CAPTCHA or an age verification check. These tactics are aimed at making the request seem legitimate and necessary, but in reality, they are just a ploy to get the user to enable push notifications.
To protect themselves from these tricks, users should be cautious when visiting unfamiliar websites and only download content or click on links from trusted sources. Users should also be aware of the types of permissions they are granting when prompted by a website or application and only enable push notifications for websites they trust and frequent. Finally, users can disable push notifications altogether in their browser settings or use an ad blocker to prevent these notifications from appearing.
