Failure to recognize fake internet popup warning messages

“Your computer is infected with spyware. Click OK to download the necessary anti-spyware updates.” This type of popup warning is a common deceptive strategy employed by creators of malware and spyware to trick unsuspecting internet users into downloading harmful software. The repercussions of falling for such deceit can range from mild computer performance issues to complete system breakdowns. The aim of this research was to identify specific visual cues in the design that might alert users to the fraudulent nature of such popup warning windows. The findings suggest that the majority of users did not exhibit caution when exposed to three distinct fake popup warnings. The potential implications of these findings are subsequently discussed.