I got hit with a Microsoft warning that told me not to turn off my computer

[Frustratedlady]

and something else, but I forget that warning. I didn't trust that it was Microsoft and unplugged the computer. I finally got back on and am running Malwarebytes to see if there is anything left behind, but I saw a site listed on Microsoft Edge that is titled "Security Center Code0x268d3" but didn't want to click on it in the event it was a hack.

This Microsoft warning popped up when I clicked on Paula Deen's website for peanut brittle recipes. I haven't had that happen for years and didn't know if it was from the hacker or from Microsoft.

Am I in deep trouble? How do I know the hack isn't still on the computer? Is there something else I can do?

[ItsjustMe]

1. Install a good ad blocker

I use AdGuard

https://adguard.com/en/adguard-browser-extension/overview.html


On Edit
Check out this channel, he deals with those scammers.

[wryter2000]

2. Quite a while ago

A couple of times I got a big, red screen with some kind of warning and a voice warning me not to turn off the computer. I couldn't get out of the screen. Both times, I turned off the computer and back on and everything was fine.

I seriously doubt Microsoft would contact you in that way. It most likely was hackers. I'm no computer expert, so someone else can tell you if you need to do anything else.

[padfun]

3. I think you did the right thing.

Turning it off and then running Malwarebytes.

And I dont think it was from Microsoft. Unless it was updating, it just wouldn't say that.

To be extra sure, you might want to delete your Temporary Internet Files but you will need to put in your password at every site you go to that uses your log in. I say that because many of these types of malware hide in Temp Int files.

[Eyeball_Kid]

4. IMO, you should clear your browser cache.

Go to the browser Help menu and ask how you can clear your cache.

[canetoad]

5. I think this was all probably a benign Windows update

This often happens; it's possible you just haven't seen it before as the machine updates to its own schedule.

The reason you are asked not to turn off is Windows is updating parts of the operating system. These can be small tweaks or periodically a very large update. Turning your computer off during the process can leave you stuck in a kind of limbo - possibly unable to boot the computer.

You can go to:
-Start
-Settings
-Update and Security
....and have a look at update history - are you up to date? You can change active hours and advanced options for reboots.

IMO, there is nothing to worry about but you really should let the updates finish installing.

[Frustratedlady]

21. No, I remember now that it also said this site was not secure.

I can't recall ever being unable to shut down except the one time I got hit big time by a hack who claimed to be Microsoft and all hell would break loose if I shut down. I had to hire a tech to straighten it out.

I know what you are referring to about Microsoft updates. This wasn't one of those unless they've changed the methods.

Thanks for your help, though.

[canetoad]

22. Ahhhhhh

I wasn't certain from your post what you were actually doing on the computer at the time. So, if you were browsing the internet, that's a completely different matter.

On searching for "Security Center Code0x268d3" first hit is this:

Remove “Security Center Error #0x268d3” Pop-up Scam

https://mypc.guru/remove-security-center-error-0x268d3-pop-up-scam/

However several hits return a link to a fake page with a pop up calling itself "Microsoft Security Services". I imagine that this will run a script that downloads a trojan to your computer.

Looks like a job for Malwarebytes.

[Frustratedlady]

23. Of course it wouldn't let me close out or delete, which alarmed me.

That's why I pulled the plug. I was afraid of redirecting to a hack site. I have noticed that a lot of my email seems to be deceptive. AOL is actually pretty good about curbing the scam, but when they come through looking like a site I receive emails from, but the message is strange, I wave my mouse over the addy. Sure enuf, it is to some character I've never heard of (nor want to). Of course, I delete those right away.

I got caught a couple years ago and it cost me a ton of time and money, but I was able to get most of the money back by denying the charge. However, the tech cost me to make sure my computer was clean.

They are out there, so I don't trust anyone.

Thanks for your remarks.

[Tetrachloride]

6. Javascript off

this technique is feared by advertisers and some hackers.

Overview: Version 1 : A) Javascript off on your main browser B) a separate browser for key websites like DU and other login sites

Overview Version 2 : A) Javascript off on your browser. but then. B) in the same browser , go to DU or other key website, go to “site preferences “ and turn Javascript on for that site.

if not feeling proficient, ask someone in your neighborhood you trust. Either way won’t take reeeeal long.

[House of Roberts]

7. I never see notices like that unless I'm restarting my computer to install updates.

Since I have deliberately enacted the restart, I don't worry about it.

[Tetrachloride]

8. Windows and Mac allow some powerful blocking in a file called the hosts file

There exist some easy way to do this on Windows. Less easy on Macs but nothing to jump about.

Consult a pro briefly or otherwise proficient in your neighborhood.

[leftieNanner]

9. I don't know about your computer

But I'll be happy to share my awesome peanut brittle recipe!

It's the best - and I only make it at Christmas because otherwise I would eat it!

[Frustratedlady]

12. That would be great. I've had a recipe for years, but recently downsized and have no idea

where it is.

Thanks much!

[leftieNanner]

15. My Pleasure

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup white Karo syrup
2/3 cup water

2 cups raw Spanish peanuts
1 tsp. salt

2 Tbls. butter
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda

Method:

Prepare two cookie sheets by greasing them with butter. Have all of your ingredients ready and measured. Once the process starts, it goes quickly.

Combine sugar, Karo, and water in a heavy sauce pan with candy thermometer attached. Boil together to 238 degrees. Add the peanuts and salt. Cook to 300 degrees, stirring constantly (I use a wooden spoon). This takes approximately 15 minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat and add the butter and baking soda. Mix well and pour onto the cookie sheets, spreading the candy fairly thin. Allow it to cool completely.

Enjoy!

[Frustratedlady]

17. Thank you! It sounds like my old one. The woman who gave it to me,

poured it out on a marble slab and then pulled it. The absolute best.

I also remember I shouldn't make it unless the day is dry and cold. Really cold days are best.

I want to get started so I can store until Christmas and not crowd cookies/candy into one slot. I have peanut clusters/nut clusters of various kinds ready to work on this week. Just have to get a few more nuts.

[leftieNanner]

19. A marble slab would be great

We make honey vanilla caramel and fudge too.

[patphil]

10. Microsoft never contacts individual users.

There are at least 1.5 billion computers out there using a Microsoft operating system. They don't have the resources, or the inclination to warn individual users of problems.
They only work with large, paid accounts.
If problems persist, you may have to go to a local company that can cleanse your computer of deeply embedded malware.
As an alternative, I've used Norton Power Eraser to remove rootkits. It's freeware from a trusted company, and may work for you.

[Scrivener7]

16. This. I used to get this message when I was trying to bootleg movies. (I don't do that

anymore. I was young and ignorant at the time. )

I think it's a hack. If you turned it off, and you ran malwarebytes and cleared everything out, I think you'll be OK.

[Frustratedlady]

18. Thank you. I've never used Norton Power Eraser, but will give it a try.

Years ago, I used Norton, but didn't like it at all. Hopefully, this time will be different.

(That was back in the days when they first came onboard.)

[taxi]

11. I think I know what the something else was that you forgot.

You got the warning and something else ...
I'll wager it was to leave your device plugged in!

[Frustratedlady]

13. LOL!

[Frustratedlady]

14. Thanks to everyone for their comments! I've worked since then trying to empty what I could.

During the process, my phones don't work. Grrrrrrrrrr! I hate electronic problems. Now, I have to check that out before my family members come bursting through my door to make sure I've not bought the farm.

You all are great!

[kimbutgar]

20. I got something weird like that on my IPad that my Microsoft software had a problem

Immediately knew it was bogus. Closed the window and cleared my cache on my IPad.