Pop-up

In short: A pop-up is a window or element that appears over a web page unasked.

In more detail: It can be useful (cookie consent, login) or annoying and fraudulent (fake warnings, prize draws).

In Depth

Danger

Fake “virus found” pop-ups tempt you to install malware (scam, adware).

Protection

Block pop-ups in the browser, never react to warning windows with a phone number, close the tab and use the task manager if it hangs.

See also: Adware, Scam, Tracking