computer virus bogus or real?

[strupgolf]

I visit many car related sites like this one. My Samsung tablet I use is 5 years old but I like it and it works great. I got a "warning" last night and again today telling me its now 28% infected and I'll loose everything soon. It directs me to the Google web page to install the anti virus stuff. I'm not a computer geek at all. So is this just all bogus or is there something I should be doing? Thanks

[billybek]

Run your antivirus protection that you have. Do a full scan.
Anything show up?

[masraum]

My guess is that it's a pop-up ad from the people wanting you to buy the antivirus.

Virii don't warm you that you're getting infected and prompt you to install stuff to get rid of them. It could also be malware, which does that sort of thing. What is the name of the software that it wants you to buy? If you have malware or something, then you'll need a clue to figure out which one. The clue will be the exact message that you get telling you that you have a problem and the software that it tries to get you to install.

If you can get us those two things, then we can offer a more informed opinion and what, if anything you need to do.

Do you only get that warning when you go to a particular website or perform a particular task?

[stealthn]

Don't click the link....

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by masraum

My guess is that it's a pop-up ad from the people wanting you to buy the antivirus.

Virii don't warm you that you're getting infected and prompt you to install stuff to get rid of them. It could also be malware, which does that sort of thing. What is the name of the software that it wants you to buy? If you have malware or something, then you'll need a clue to figure out which one. The clue will be the exact message that you get telling you that you have a problem and the software that it tries to get you to install.

If you can get us those two things, then we can offer a more informed opinion and what, if anything you need to do.

Do you only get that warning when you go to a particular website or perform a particular task?

This.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by stealthn

Don't click the link....

Goes without saying but often needs to be said.

[Por_sha911]

The link can possible load a virus infection. Use your own antivirus or go to a trusted website.

[Eric Coffey]

Originally Posted by strupgolf

I visit many car related sites like this one. My Samsung tablet I use is 5 years old but I like it and it works great. I got a "warning" last night and again today telling me its now 28% infected and I'll loose everything soon. It directs me to the Google web page to install the anti virus stuff. I'm not a computer geek at all. So is this just all bogus or is there something I should be doing? Thanks

Yep, bogus. Referred to as "ransomware" as it is typically accompanied by a link to purchase software and/or phone number to call in with a CC to "disinfect" your machine.
The nasty ones will hijack your browser with auto pop-ups that you can't close, and an ominous "warning" tone/spiel.

Just close all of your browsers (via the task manager/process explorer if necessary), and clear out your cache/history/cookies/etc.
I'd recommend CCleaner if you want a one-click solution for that (allows you to save "safe" cookies as well). YMMV...

[masraum]

I used the free Microsoft software which is security essentials, and it does a good job, but then I also use Firefox along with a few firefox add-ons that make it safer, but more of a pain in the rear than most folks would want to deal with.

[John Rogers]

Huuuuum, haven't heard anything? Does the original poster have antivirus software at all? Many people do not. Mine is turn on to watch all that I do which uses 0.1% of one of my X6 CPUs so it does not hurt. It catches things off website now and then such as 123movie which one of my daughters swears by so I checked it out and my AV software lit up like a Christmas tree! No thanks.

[Eric Coffey]

Originally Posted by masraum

I used the free Microsoft software which is security essentials, and it does a good job, but then I also use Firefox along with a few firefox add-ons that make it safer, but more of a pain in the rear than most folks would want to deal with.

If you are running Win10, the included Windows Defender is more than adequate for most users, IMO.
Between that, CCleaner, and the occasional Malwarebytes scan, there really isn't a need for another/dedicated anti-virus program (again, IMO).

[TimT]

My Samsung tablet

It has an Android OS... no native virus protection...

[strupgolf]

Well guys, its working fine. Its a little tablet I use for this purpose. I don't have any virus protection per say. I think it was a pop up ad that goes around. I was concerened with the new bellscand whistles. So far so good, thanks to all for your help.