HTML / FakeAlert is the name of a virus that creates and shows fake websites filled with alert messages. These messages try to convince the users that they have been either infected with some virus or that some other problem might put in danger their computers and personal data. To stop this alleged threat, the user is asked to call a fake support telephone number or to download a (fake of course) fixing tool.
The malware HTML / FakeAlert is usually the first step of what we know as tech support scams. As a result, the victims will lose money, by calling toll or international numbers, or by installing another malware through the recommendations given by the fake messages.
Usually this criminals go mainly after English speaking users because they are a huge demographic population, therefore they can make the biggest amount of money. However, it has been the case before that they translate their apps to other major languages like French or Spanish, opening the door to target other countries as well.
The malware HTML / FakeAlert was detected in its early days on 2006 by ESET. After keeping a low profile for a while it has strongly resurfaced since September 2016, reaching it highest point ever on September 17th, by getting to a 2.05% of global infection, quite a record!
View full solution