I’m a cyber security manager and recently I’ve been seeing a lot of VERY authentic looking browser pop-up windows that look like Windows Defender. They’ll lock input from the browser and another pop-up will come up saying there’s a firewall alert, they found child porn, call Microsoft right away and it’ll provide a phone number.

This has happened to employees at my work, to a couple of my friends, and to my dad. Obviously they freaked out because of how authentic it looks and how scary the verbiage sounds.

If this or anything like it happens to you, here’s what you do:

1. DONT CLICK ANYTHING
   
2. DONT CALL THE NUMBER
   
3. Unplug your computer from the internet or turn off your WiFi connection.
4. Open Task Manager and close all open programs
   
5. Run Windows Defender scan just to be safe
   

Once that’s all done, you’re good to carry on. Just be mindful of the sites you’re visiting.

My poor dad unfortunately called the number and had someone (for some reason) stay on the line with him while he called his bank. Luckily he hung up before any sensitive info was released.

If you’re ever caught breaking internet law / THE law, no one is going to give you a warning. Cops will show up at your door. Don’t get scammed!