Virus

logicbdj

Bitdefender is not finding this, and it constantly pops up (disappears for 5 seconds, then pops up again). It's driving me batty. It keeps wanting to take me to McAfee to sign up and to delete the virus.

Flexx

https://community.bitdefender.com/en/discussion/103493/virus

These are not malware but rather adware, and they are the most common types of adware that users typically face.

Kindly have a look at the links stated below

https://www.bitdefender.com/consumer/support/answer/2574/

https://www.mcafee.com/support/s/article/000001899?language=en_US

https://www.mcafee.com/learn/how-to-stop-the-popups/

https://malwaretips.com/blogs/the-mcafee-your-pc-is-infected-with-5-viruses-scam/

https://malwaretips.com/blogs/remove-fake-mcafee-pop-up-virus/

https://malwaretips.com/blogs/beware-of-the-mcafee-safety-warning-pop-up-scam/

Regards

Alexandru_BD

Hats off to @Flexx for providing this comprehensive list of articles explaining these fake virus alerts.

@logicbdj we have received similar questions multiple times on this forum, as these fake pop-ups are quite popular these days and they spread like a plague. Now, you would be inclined to believe that there's indeed something wrong with your device, and that's exactly what the creators of these pop-ups want you to believe, so that you rush to click on them, without thinking this through. I think most people realize these are fake, but unfortunately not everyone spots the scam and they end up calling dubious phone numbers or accessing malicious links.

The notifications and pop-ups in this situation do not have anything malicious attached to them, but when you click on them, they will redirect to malicious sites that try to collect your data or install abusive or dangerous software.

Now, for the question that comes to mind when we encounter such pop-ups - why doesn't the antivirus detect and clear them? Well, the answer is simple: Bitdefender (or any antivirus for that matter) cannot take any direct measures related to this type of notifications, such as adware that the user unknowingly agreed on or something that was enabled previously, like site setting, site notification, redirects in the browser or installed toolbars, extensions or applications. However, the antivirus defenses will kick in if you click on any links displayed in the pop-ups, or if you are being redirected to malicious websites. But that's the thing, the security solution won't be able to stop these pop-ups from being displayed.

However, a browser reset and removing unwanted extensions from it should be enough as these notifications and pop-ups are always browser related.

I recommend Ublock Origin to block ads, and I also recommend using the Bitdefender Anti tracker extension, to stop tracking cookies.

I hope this message helps.

Regards