Electronics

[LilacTree]

This is the second time now.  I suddenly get two "DOS-like" screens with warnings within seconds of each other, and then a voice warning that my computer is "sending out malware and they are going to take it over immediately" . . . and I don't know the rest because I immediately pulled the plug.  It's a very ominous sounding voice with no accent. 

I waited about an hour to make sure whatever it is, is not still attached to my IP address.  Then I turned it back on and did a Kaspersky full scan which found nothing.  I no longer have the Malwarebytes program on my computer, so I was shocked by this. 

Just wanted to post this before I make some calls and do some research.  To happen once, I can feel I handled it correctly.  To have it happen again, I'm going to need some help.  For one, it certainly means these, what they are calling "exploit attacks and ransomware attacks before your data is held hostage" are still out there. 

I'll keep you posted.

[KingstonsMom]

Personally, I would re-install Malwarebytes, I never get this kind of stuff with it and I use the free version.

[LilacTree]

@KingstonsMom

I'll probably do that, but want to check with Kaspersky and Malwarebytes before I do it.  I had Malwarebytes on my system the first time it happened. 

[author]

My husband had that happen to him exactly as you describe only he had a siren going off as well, very scary.  

It told him to call a number to fix it and he wrote it down, siren blaring, and I had to physically stop him from doing that!  He couldn't make anything work on the computer so I shut it down with the power button, called our computer repair place for advice, and they explained that it is a common issue to get info from consumers and we did the right thing.  

You did what he suggested, as did we, but we did install Malwarebytes and ran that as well, and now have it as a preventative in addition to his regular anti-virus program as he is a very incautious internet user.

It happened one more time and we did the same thing and that was a year ago and no more problems.  

The trick is not to do what they tell you on that page that comes up!

[ValuSkr]

I would contact your anti-virus company, Kaspersky, and see what they have to say.  They may be able to remove it remotely.

[hoosieroriginal]

I think you are fine - had the same thing happen to me - freaked me out - saying it was taking my credit card info - blah blah blah - unless I called a certain phone number.  Turned my computer off - called Geek Squad and she had me Cntrl J to see if anything was downloaded on my computer - wasn't.  So I was good.  I had gone to a website that my local grocery suggested to get extra gas points - Kroger - and that's when it happened.  Just make sure NEVER to call the number they give you - all they want is your credit card info. 

[dooBdoo]

          It's important for everyone to read as much as they can about ransomware.   Most of the ransomware attacks show up as a result of the user, at some point, clicking on a bad link in email, or visiting a website that holds malicious data, and not having updated software on the device.    Windows-based computers are the most targeted, but Apple computers can be vulnerable, too.

          The most recently publicized attack, "WannaCry," hit hundreds of thousands of computers globally.    It's still under investigation, but the basic reason systems were infected was the failure to update their operating system and all security updates or "patches."   It did not affect those with updated operating systems and security patches.  

          This, by itself, should be a good and valuable warning for everyone to be sure to keep all their software up-to-date.

           Thank you for this thread, @LilacTree.   It's so critical to keep talking about these dangerous, criminal scams to be sure everyone is aware and safe.    I'm sorry this has been happening to you and other posters.

[Jordan2]

Thankfully this hasn't happened to me. I have Kaspersky software on my computer and check for updates everyday. I always download and install any important updates. 

[Julie928]

@LilacTree ~ This is what happened to me!  I think you might have responded to the thread I created about it.  The day after I posted that thread it happened again.  My husband ran a scan for me and it found nothing.  It really makes me angry that we can't even sit in our own homes without someone trying to do harm. 

[chickenbutt]

Most probably know this, but just in case somebody who doesn't is reading - 

Make sure you go into your router and have the security set as high as you can go.  This is imperative, in addition to having not only good anti-malware software (such as the Malwarebytes you mentioned - I use the paid version so it's always on board) AND good anti-virus software.  

You need both anti-malware and anti-virus, as well as high security on your router.   Also a firewall.  I just use the Windows firewall that's on PCs automatically, because any decent router should have a hardware firewall, which is actually the best if you have it set right.

You also need to make sure that these programs are kept up to date.