suspicious 'Browser Security' alert

Question

I got a 'Browser Security' alert, suggesting I have the e.tre456_worm_Windows virus. It is sponsored by Adsvista. How can I remove this?

Answer 1

Hi,

If it is a browser notification banner, it sounds like a fake security alert. In Edge, go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Site permissions > All permissions > Notifications. If there are any websites under the allowed section, remove/block them by clicking the three dots menu next to each website.

If that does not work, could you post a screenshot of it?

Answer 2

The “Browser Security / e.tre456_worm_Windows” alert sponsored by Adsvista is a fake tech-support / scareware pop-up, not a legitimate Microsoft or Windows Defender message.

To remove and avoid it:

1. Close the fake alert and browser
   1. Press Ctrl+Alt+Del and open Task Manager.
   2. In Task Manager, find Microsoft Edge (or the browser in use), select it, and choose End task for all browser processes.
   3. If that fails, hold the PC’s power button until it turns off, then turn it back on.
2. Clear Edge cache and site data
   1. Reopen Edge.
   2. Clear browsing data (history, cookies, cached files) so the malicious page does not reload from history.
3. Block or remove unwanted notifications/extensions
   1. In Edge, go to Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Notifications.
   2. Remove or Block any suspicious sites (for example, ad-related domains) from the Allow list.
   3. Check Extensions and remove anything not intentionally installed.
4. Scan for malware or unwanted software
   1. Run Microsoft Defender Antivirus (built into Windows 11) with at least a Quick scan; run a Full scan if there is any suspicion of infection.
   2. If unwanted software is suspected, uninstall it via Start → Settings → Apps → Apps & features, then remove any related browser add-ons.
5. Avoid future scams
   1. Do not call any phone number shown in such alerts and do not allow remote access.
   2. Download software only from official sites or the Microsoft Store.
   3. Consider using an ad blocker extension in Edge to reduce malicious or misleading ads that cause these pop-ups.

If no phone number was called and no remote access or software installation was allowed, the issue is typically limited to the browser session and not a system-wide infection.

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References:

• Microsoft resources and guidance for removal of malware and viruses
• Unwanted software
• Trojan
• Unexplained Windows or software behavior may be caused by deceptive software
• Microsoft Safety & Security Center
• possible virus, computer locked - Microsoft Q&A
• Disabled computer - Microsoft Q&A
• Windows defender scam - Microsoft Q&A
• How do I report a possible scam from Microsoft? - Microsoft Q&A
• Microsoft Security Advisory 912920
• Enable or disable security alerts about links and files from suspicious websites