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Tech support from your Internet Service Provider? It could be a scam

Tech Support

The latest hacking scam proves that pop up ads aren't a thing of the past. The advert pertains to be from your internet service provider (ISP), and looks so authentic that even security experts are almost falling for it.

The pop up features a telephone number, and a the following message, 'Our system scans have detected malicious software on your computer. Your personal photos, credit card information and passwords may be at risk. Contact our certified technicians for immediate assistance.'

The scam is particularly convincing because it looks as if it comes straight from whoever provides your internet. Companies like BT, Virgin and Sky are likely to be brands that you trust, which makes the scam much more effective at drawing people in.

This information isn't particularly well protected, in fact it only takes a rogue advert from the hackers on a normal web page to figure out who your internet service provider is. On its own, this information is pretty harmless - but it does help to convince victims that they have actually been infected.

Hackers are then able to get potential victims to call them directly, rather than the other way round - essentially cold calling the cold caller. From there it only takes a little social engineering to convince victims that something on their computer is causing trouble, and encourage them to install something to 'fix' the problem.

If you suspect that your computer may have been infected, run your own scan for viruses and malware using Windows Defender, or your own security program. If you do get an alert informing you that your computer has been hacked, look up the number for your ISP and contact them directly, without using the number on the pop up.

If you're still concerned, give Transcendit a call on 0191 482 0444 and give our IT support team a look. They're happy to talk your through ways to secure your computer against viruses and malware.


The Transcendit Way

Transcendit understand that when you choose to work with us, whether we're taking care of your IT, app or web development, you're trusting us with part of your business. So whether we're looking after your computers, phone systems or servers we always do things 'the Transcendit way'.

The whole of our team adhere to the same values, beliefs and policies - the principles that were written when Transcendit first formed in 2000. Whether you come to us for cloud services or recovery backup you can be confident that you'll always receive the same excellent service.

The Transcendit way outlines how we do business; following the same straightforward principles with every client and customer, regardless of how big or small they may be.

That means we get to know you and your business. We offer you a friendly, professional and efficient service, and we'll always be honest with you.
We understand that not everybody speaks fluent IT, so we try to explain things in a way that is simple and clear. We always spend as much time as is necessary explaining things to you.
If you need to talk to us about something, no matter how insignificant, we are only ever a phone call away – and we’re never too busy to make you a cup of tea and have a sit down with you in person.
We understand how frustrating it can be when things are late. When we schedule an appointment with you, we are there when you’re expecting us. If something prevents us from getting there, we always call you in advance to let you know.
Sometimes things can go wrong, but we never lie to you or try to cover something up. If things go askew we tell you what’s happened and how we plan to prevent it affecting your business.
We want you to continuously benefit from working with us. We regularly discuss your business and make suggestions for improving systems and processes wherever we can – but we never try to push you into a purchase.
When we quote a fixed price, that's always the amount we charge – you won’t find any nasty surprises on a bill from us. If you are paying by time and materials, we inform you if our approximations could change.
We understand the importance of privacy for your business and your customers. We respect the confidentiality of your data, and we will never pass on your information to third parties.
We appreciate it when you take the time to give us feedback. A system called CustomerSure records our client's responses, so you can trust that our reviews are from real people.
Find out what they're saying here.
You have got a great team there, nothing was a problem and they were extremely patient with me in explaining various things and sorting this out for me. Great Service Philip Bousfield, Advanced Financial Planning

Based on 12075 reviews our customers rate us 9.8/10. Reviews and ratings by Customersure. 09-October-2024

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