Remove Error # 268d3 | Detailed Information (Microsoft Support Scam)

Why do I frequently get the “Error # 268D3” pop up?

The “Error # 268D3” popup is nothing but a tech support scam.

When a user unknowingly slips into an infected website this kind of scam pop-up is forced on their screen.

Additionally, an infected third-party website can also authorize the installation of adware, a malicious program.

Adware is a malicious program that forces ‘n’ number of ads on the system, this pop-up scam is one of its doings.

Any such scam pop-up will make you believe that all your credentials are at risk and if an action is not taken immediately, all your details will be taken away from the computer.

Error Message Displayed By Error # 268D3

Get peace of mind! Get rid of malicious programs instantly

Free Malware Scan Compatible with Win 10,8.1,8 & 7

Technically, adware uses complex coding to by-pass the computer’s firewall.

Adware is a program capable of pushing advertisements banners through any web browser.

The ads shown are creatively designed to trick the user into clicking them, doing such generates revenue for the developers.

Adware follows the famous "pay-per-click" rule, with every click a user does revenue is generated for the developers. 

Also Read: Guide To Remove WhiteClick or White Click Toolbar Completely From PC?

The end goal of such Adware campaign

Adware is particularly designed to make money.

Once Adware program has infected a computer, it injects small codes into the pages you visit frequently like your online bank account or any social media account.

This code will create numerous advertisement banners some may include fake security warnings like “Error # 268D3” or insert a sponsored ad on the pages you are viewing.

Web browsers are the major source

When your computer is infected with adware, all your web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, and MS Edge may redirect you to fake security warnings or to sponsored advertisement banners.

It’s a scam but you still have an adware on your system

Although adware might not damage any files or the operating system, it will certainly annoy you with the frequent notification or ad banner.

For the fact, adware will gradually weaken the firewall of your computer internally and would make way for other malicious programs which include spyware, ransomware, and other malicious programs.

How does Adware spread?

1. Social Clickjacking: Creators of such infections use online media such as Social Network and tempting advertisements to provoke or let us say in fooling the users to click on the ads, i.e., Update your flash player or win an iPhone.
2. Spam emails: These hijackers can get into your computer through malicious email attachments and download links present the body of the mail.
   This emails usually appear to be from a reputed organization, i.e., Banks and insurance companies.
3. It can infect the computer through infected websites or malevolent websites.
4. It can also trick you by fake security alert or system updates.
5. Torrents & P2P File Sharing: Torrents and files shared on P2P networks have a high probability of being a carrier to such infections.
6. It can also infect the computer through portable storage devices like USB stick, portable hard drive or through a disk.
7. Bundling: The quickest and the most relaxed way of infecting a user’s PC with any malware is through freeware software’s, and in this case, the user is equally responsible for authorizing the installation of such malicious program without reading the terms and conditions. Unfortunately, some freeware programs do not uncover that a malicious program will also be installed with it.

Common symptoms of adware include:

1. The web browser would more show signs of instability and frequent crashes.
2. Default settings of the web browser are modified like the default home page and the search engine is changed.
3. A victim might see new extensions and add-on toolbar on the top panel of their web browser. 
4. Whenever a victim tries to open anything he is been redirected to some random website which may either display advertisement banners or would give fake security warnings.
5. Poor program execution, moderate reaction time as the ads would fly out of the blue.
6. Even if the web browsers are not active the infected computer would display ads which would result in system crashes from time to time or PC would boot up for unknown reasons.
7. Security program and the inbuilt firewall is crippled.
8. New icons are added to desktop pretending to be for some kind of security.

Steps to be followed to avoid the installation of adware

While installing a freeware software or a freeware game make sure you go through the license agreement section and read all the terms and conditions.

If reading the complete terms and condition is too much then while installing the freeware application if the installation offers you “custom and automatic installation”.

It is always recommended that you go with the custom process as this would disclose the other programs that might get installed along with it.

If you see any additional add-ons or toolbars checked, then remember to uncheck them this would avoid the installation of adware.

Tips to Prevent virus and malware from Infecting Your System: