Tag Archive for: popup

Security expert warns of device that can spam iPhones with popup notifications

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Technology can be a wonderful thing. But, it can also be used for nefarious means. In a tweet, a security and infosec expert showcased the power of a small iPhone hacking device capable of spamming devices with different popup notifications.

First, the device is called the Flipper Zero. It essentially works by spoofing devices like Apple’s AirTags, AirPods Pro, and even new contacts. This effectively launches a DDoS notification attack on any iOS device in the area, rendering it nonfunctional. 

This particular iPhone hacking device has apparently been used as part of an ongoing “prank” against iPhone users, and Techryptic, the infosec expert behind the new warnings, has called for Apple to consider implementing safeguards to mitigate the risks.

“What’s the purpose of posting this?” Techryptic’s tweet begins, “It has the capability to effectively launch a DDOS notification attack on any iOS device, rendering it nonfunctional. Even if the device is in airplane mode, it’s still susceptible. Apple should consider implementing safeguards to mitigate.”

Techryptic also included several videos of the device in action on Twitter, and it’s clear how easily something like this could be abused. And, since it sends these notifications even when the device is in airplane mode, there doesn’t appear to be any way to stop it until you move away from the iPhone hacking device, or the person with the device stops it.

Obviously, it is very easy to see why something like this could be considered nefarious. While it might not necessarily steal your information, it leads to other issues – most notably, hindering your ability to use the product. Considering the legal ramifications behind initiating a DDoS attack, this isn’t something to play around with.

Hopefully, we see Apple address this issue in the future. A new security measure to stop something like this from happening would be ideal in a future OS update, such as iOS 17.

Got a security alert pop-up on your computer? Here’s what to do

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News 8 On Your Side has a warning about a scam that gets right in your face.It uses a scammer’s two favorite weapons: the phone and the computer.It starts with a pop-up message right in the middle of your computer screen telling you that “access to this PC has been blocked for security reasons.”You are urged to call Windows support at the provided phone number.Another message states, “Your computer has alerted us that is has been infected with a Trojan Spyware. You must contact us immediately so that our engineers can walk you through the removal process over the phone.”In many cases your computer will be frozen. You’ll be unable to move your cursor or make the message go away.Here’s what you should do: the exact opposite of what the message tells you. Do not call any phone numbers that appear on your screen.The easiest way to remove the message and get control of your computer back is to restart your computer. Most of the time, it makes this message go away. If it doesn’t go away, you need to contact a computer repair shop to remove it.If you do call the number on the screen, you’re walking right into the scammer’s trap. They will send you to a series of websites and claim they are fixing your machine, and it ends up costing you money.Related video below: Invoice scam targets bank accounts

News 8 On Your Side has a warning about a scam that gets right in your face.

It uses a scammer’s two favorite weapons: the phone and the computer.

It starts with a pop-up message right in the middle of your computer screen telling you that “access to this PC has been blocked for security reasons.”

You are urged to call Windows support at the provided phone number.

Another message states, “Your computer has alerted us that is has been infected with a Trojan Spyware. You must contact us immediately so that our engineers can walk you through the removal process over the phone.”

In many cases your computer will be frozen. You’ll be unable to move your cursor or make the message go away.

Here’s what you should do: the exact opposite of what the message tells you. Do not call any phone numbers that appear on your screen.

The easiest way to remove the message and get control…

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How to Get Rid of ‘5-billionth Search’ Pop-Up Scam

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The ‘You’ve Made The 5-billionth Search’ is a part of the scam ‘You Have Won A Google Gift’ and is distributed via a bogus website. It is similar in style to the infamous Safari search contest, another well-known scam that claimed the infected user had won a prize. It would then ask you to pay money or enter your details to retrieve it.

You are seeing the “You’ve made the 5-billionth search” pop-ups because your device is infected with malware, spam notification ads, or a site you have visited has redirected your browser. This type of malware can be potentially harmful to your computer and any personal files on there.

This is a result of Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs) being installed on computers or web browsers when you’re downloading various files from unreliable resources.

These programs result in unwanted redirects to dubious websites. They often gather data and annoy consumers with advertising.

In this article, we will explain what the 5-billionth search scam is, how you can avoid it, as well as remove it from your device if it’s already infected. We’ll also cover the problems it can cause if left unattended.

Best antivirus software to remove the 5-billionth search pop-up

TotalAV will help you to detect and get rid of the 5-billionth search scam by running a full system scan. It comes with the WebShield extension that will protect you from scams and phishing websites in the future.

What is ‘You’ve made the 5-billionth search’?

The “You’ve Made The 5-billionth Search” scam’s main objective is to deceive individuals into thinking they are the lucky recipients of a 5-billionth search query.

5 billionth search

At the time of investigation, the con artists behind this scheme claimed that Brad Jenkins, a (likely fictitious) winner from Brussels, was the last one to win a Samsung KU6179 Ultra HD TV on May 14, 2018.

This misleading website claims that each visitor is the upcoming winner. Visitors can select one of three secret prizes by pressing one of the three “CHOOSE” buttons that are displayed.

Once you click, you’ll be asked to enter personal details that may then be sold to a third party or taken to an unsafe website.

Anyone who uses this opportunity, it…

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Barraged by pop-up ads? Your computer may be infected with malware

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Yahoo Life is committed to finding you the best products at the best prices. Some of the products written about here is offered in affiliation with Yahoo Life’s parent company, Verizon Media. We may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page.

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Remember when you could surf the web without being barraged by one pop-up ad after another? Between ”Congratulations! You’ve won $1 million” and “Alert! Virus detected,” constant, unwanted pop-up advertisements have become a frustrating reality of our online experience—and most (though not all) are simply spam in disguise.

Whether a pop-up ad offers you a deal that seems life-changing or presents a warning that scares you half to death, never just click impulsively, warns Adam Levin, founder of Cyberscout, to Yahoo Life. At their worst, pop-up ads—known as adware—are laced with malware, or malicious programming designed to infect your computer as soon as you click on it, stealing your most sensitive data, from social security numbers to online banking information.

“If you don’t want to feel remorse, go to the source,” says Levin. “Which is to say, think before you click. Pause. Think about the kind of security software that you have on your device. Check with that particular software vendor, even just by looking on your computer or your mobile device, but don’t just click on [a pop-up] because it says you’ve got a problem.”



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How do you know if you’re computer’s already been infected with malware though? Here are 5 telltale signs—and how to prevent a system invasion before it happens.

1. Endless pop-up ads telling you you’ve won “a million dollars” or “a free psychic reading” 



graphical user interface, application

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Software like System Mechanic can only clean out already infected machines—meaning you’ve already fallen for the trap. Malware-laced adware makes your screen such a landmine that clicking on the wrong link is easy. It’s designed to be that way. 

“Hackers are very clever, and they want to catch you at a moment when you’re focused on doing something else,” says Levin, also the author of ‘

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