FALSE Virus alert [there is NO malware on your computer]

[Polar Man]

For those just coming to this thread for the first time, I have taken the liberty of pre-pending IBobi's answer from downstream here. cblaisd, Senior Moderator:

Originally Posted by IBobi

Hi everyone,

Once again, there is *no* malware on FlyerTalk.

We are working to determine which advertisement is causing this messaging to occur.

This kind of advertising is *not* approved by FT, and will immediately be blocked when it is located. Meanwhile, be assured that despite the message it shows you, you do not have a virus (from this) and FT is not infected. This is an advertisement that appears to be exploiting a hole in *Internet Explorer* to show a *false* virus alert.

One way to avoid it is to switch browsers to Chrome or Firefox.

I'll update as soon as I have new information; thank you for your continued patience while we work to block this ad.

Paul

Twice in the last two days while using FT i have had a pop up appear. It is designed to make it look like MS security essentials notice.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y193/Braybuddy/MS.jpg

[ExitRowAisle]

While I didn't get the specific virus alert that Polar Man mentions, I also noticed unusual virus alert messages while accessing FT the last couple of days, both on my home and work computers.

[Michilander]

I, too, have gotten these alerts the past two days. Norton says

Category: Intrusion Prevention
7/20/2012 9:34 AM,High,An intrusion attempt by 173.254.192.44 was blocked.,Blocked,No Action Required,Fake App Attack: Fake AV Website

[SkeptiCallie]

I got them on FT website (only) for 2-3 days, with wording:

Message from webpage

Viruses were found on your computer. You need to clean your computer to prevent the system crash. [OK]

When I tried to close the browser, I couldn't. Had to shut the computer down and restart.

[Wilbur]

I am also getting the MSE look-alike virus warning, but only with IE, not chrome.

[IBobi]

Thank you all, we're looking into this, but FT appears to be clean. No virus found at all.

If someone can post a screen shot, we'll look into whether this is ad-related, or some other possibility?

Thank you!

Paul

[HNLbasedFlyer]

I'll remember to grab a screenshot - but I've gotten this virus warning today on separate computers - it just seems to happen randomly but always on the flyertalk site.

[mcgahat]

I got the pop up yesterday and this morning. I will try to grab a screenshot if I get it again. I wonder if it really came from a banner?

[TravellerFrequently]

+1 to Polar Man's experience.

[Michilander]

I got a different pop-up than Polar Man got. If I get it again, I will post a screen shot.

I also only got this once yesterday and once today, despite numerous visits to FT. Have just assumed it was ad based. Did you check out the IP I posted earlier?

[g-didi]

+1 to Polar Man

[wrp96]

I got the same message as Skepticallie yesterday. Had to into my task manager to shut it down.

[McCoy]

Just got the same.
Have emailed you, IBobi. - I have a screenshot I can send you.

Was going to http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/usercp.php, but the address bar changed, pop-up appeared and Norton antivirus blocked a Fake App attack...

Closed it all, and worked fine this time.

[Polar Man]

here is the screen shot.

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i1..._man/virus.jpg

If you click on the x to close the popup then the " microsoft" warning pops up on a blank screen.

[MR_MAMA]

I also received it, I looked at the address bar at the top and this is where it is coming from..but only when I come to flyertalk

http://guarantorqueerprocessinspecti...84cb2/pr2/196/