Is my IE browser hijacked? Is this Security page legit?

Question

Anytime I launch internet explorer instead of going to my original homepage I get diverted to one of those special alert pages XP computers enjoy.  The address bar still shows http://hotmail.com/ but the title of the page is changed to "Insecure Browsing: Navigation on hold- Windows Internet explorer" In the web page itself it has:
"Insecure Internet activity.  Threat of virus attack"

"Due to insecure Internet browsing your PC can easily get infected with viruses, worms and trojans without your knowledge, and that can result in revealing your personal information.  To get full advanced real-time protection for PC and Internet activity, register your antivirus software."

"We recommend you to protect your PC now and continue safe Internet browsing."

Then it has the options of clicking a Green shield with a checkmark that says "Click here to get full advanced real-time protection and continue browsing." and a red shield with an X that says COntinue to this website unprotected (Not recommended)."

I've already got automatic updates on for windows itself, McAfee, and Spy Sweeper. They are all registered(Hence the auto-updates)

Whenever I try ignoring both options and just type in a different address in the address bar the browser automatically closes.

Also, I get a little Security Center Alert box that wants me to block Win32.Brontok.  "Keep Blocking" and "Unblock" buttons are disabled and the only button I can pick is "Enable Protection"

I dont understand, I've HAD all my security enabled.

I've been the victim of false alerts before and when I clicked buttons to get my PC protected I was forced to buy some totally garbage antivirus which later on resulted in me replacing my hard drive because I'm pretty sure instead of downloading an antivirus i downloaded some more crud.

What do you guys think? Doesnt "CLick here to get full advanced real-time protection and continue browsing" sound a little too exstatic? Almost sounds like its advertising one of those bogus antiviruses.

vlj2002 · Accepted Answer

Seems like you already infeacted with adware. Those are rogue programs. Use avira, malwarebytes, and superantispyware to remove them.

Dustin · Answer

2

Karen · Answer

I think I know what you had I had something like this awhile ago. What it does is it sends a false error message encouraging you to download something. It's like a virus type thing. What you should do is go to tools on your Internet then click on manage add ons then enable and disable the ones you do or do not want, one of the add ons might be causing this. If this doesn't work your going to have to find the file someone in your computer (which means someone downloaded something with spyware/virus in it) and delete it. Also if none of these work you can do a system restore on your computer for this you click on start>help and support>Undo changes with your computer with system restore, choose a date on there when your computer was working properly and that should fix it. I hope this was help :]

? · Answer

This is surely a false alert to get you to purchase or download other malicious content.

This means however that you have some infection already on your computer that is causing your browser to show you this.

I suggest using AdAware SE from Lavasoft or Spybot Search & Destroy (both free tools) to fix that

The GNU Guy · Answer

You have an infection I recommend Using Avast, AVG, or Clam AV instead of McAffee.  And Spybot Search & Destroy , Super Anti-spyware or Ad-Aware instead of spy sweeper.  And reboot your computer in safe mode before scanning.

Anonymous · Answer

Kinda makes u question MCcoffee breaks  ability to protect -doesn't it ??

Anonymous · Answer

do a windows security scan and check your programs

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Is my IE browser hijacked? Is this Security page legit?

7 Answers