In today’s digital age, it’s not uncommon to receive unsolicited and potentially malicious online advice. For example, consider the concerns raised by “Barbara.” He reached out with a question that may have crossed many people’s minds.
“Hello Kurt. I can’t remember if I read this online or someone told me this, but if you receive a pop-up message, you should unplug your computer immediately. That way, the scammer will Is it right to access your work? ”
Pop-ups have long been one of the most common ways for scammers to break into people’s computers. That may be one of the reasons why the unplugging method came into use, although it’s less common now. Well, the simple answer is no. Rather than debunk this myth once and for all, let’s explain in a little more detail why it’s not recommended and what you should do instead.
person unplugging laptop (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
What you should never do when a pop-up message appears
It’s important to be careful when dealing with pop-up messages, as they can be used by scammers to trick you into downloading malware or divulging personal information. Therefore, it is right to take some time to think about your next action.
However, unplugging your computer immediately when you see a pop-up message is not the right thing to do. This can cause data loss, damage your computer, and otherwise wreak havoc. Vulnerabilities in the system may also allow more fraudsters to infiltrate in the future.
It also notes that if the pop-up message is a malicious link or file, scammers have more sophisticated strategies these days, and simply unplugging your computer won’t necessarily stop them. It’s worth keeping. But don’t worry. There are ways to protect yourself.
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![PC man](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/05/1200/675/2-Ask-Kurt-True-or-false-if-you-get-a-pop-up-message-you-should-pull-the-plug-on-your-computer-immediately.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
man working on computer (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
More information: The best private and secure alternative to Google
What to do if a pop-up message appears
So if unplugging your computer isn’t the solution, what can you do instead if you see a pop-up message, especially a suspicious one? Follow the steps below.
Don’t click on pop-up messages. If you receive a pop-up message, do not click on it or enter any personal information. Instead, close the window by clicking the “X” button in the top right corner of the window. Beware of fake pop-ups that appear in your browser window and try to trick you into clicking. These pop-ups are not sent from your computer, but from malicious files that are built into your browser and display images that look like pop-ups. Clicking on them could result in you downloading more malware, divulging your personal information, or paying money to a fake service.
More information: Beware of this MCAFEE Google Chrome ad scam
Watch out for download pop-ups. If you get a pop-up because you clicked a link to download, make sure you trust the file. Did you download it directly from the company’s website? Or from a message someone sent you via email, SMS, or Facebook? Or from a third-party app store? If the latter , be very careful.
Please do not call any phone number. If you see a pop-up message asking you to call a phone number, do not call. This is a common scam used by scammers to trick you into divulging your personal information or downloading malware.
![woman on the phone](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/05/1200/675/3-Ask-Kurt-True-or-false-if-you-get-a-pop-up-message-you-should-pull-the-plug-on-your-computer-immediately.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
woman on the phone (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Details: Don’t click that link.How to identify and prevent phishing attacks in your inbox
How to prevent pop-ups (and other scams)
There’s no way to 100% prevent scams, but aside from practicing online privacy and security recommendations (and staying up to date on security news), there are ways to prevent pop-ups that may contain threats. there is.
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Download a pop-up blocker. Many browsers have pop-up blocker extensions that keep pop-ups at bay. However, you may need to disable certain pop-ups to get them through. For example, when doing online banking or booking a flight. Comes with many premium pop-up blockers. security software Used to protect your device.
Be wary of suspicious links/files. Always be wary of these suspicious links, whether they are via pop-up ads or elsewhere.
Use strong antivirus software. Make sure you have antivirus software installed on your computer and keep it updated. The best way to protect yourself from clicking malicious links that install malware that can access your personal information is to install antivirus protection on all your devices. This can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams. Get my picks for the best antivirus protection products of 2024 for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
Refresh your browser. Please make sure your browser is Latest Apply the latest security patches and updates. This helps prevent security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by fraudsters.
Read more: Major scams targeting Costco shoppers exposed
Cart important points
Pop-ups are still used by hackers to introduce malware threats into your system. As with other cybersecurity scams and the pace at which information moves these days, you may have heard about ways to protect yourself, such as unplugging your computer. However, be sure to double-check the solution before attempting to resolve the issue yourself. Also, the next time you see a pop-up, remember to pause and proceed with caution. Cyber safety depends on this.
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