Your browser has been blocked. How to remove? (Uninstall guide)
Your browser has been blocked is an online scam that might be delivered on any web browser
Questions about Your browser has been blocked
Your browser has been blocked is a scam message that might show up in Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, and any other browser. This fake alert is typically delivered by a compromised website or potentially unwanted program (PUP)[1] which was silently installed on Mac or Windows computer. Some versions of the scam target Android devices too.
| Summary | |
| Name | Your browser has been blocked |
| Type | Online scam |
| Targeted operating systems | Windows, Mac OS X, Android |
| Affected web browsers | Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, etc. |
| Symptoms | Browser redirects to scam website, inability to close the browser or its tab, unknown processes running in the Task Manager. |
| Distribution methods | Compromised websites that run malicious JavaScript code, adware programs |
| To remove “Your browser has been blocked”, install Reimage and run a full system scan. | |
“Your browser has been blocked” scam website includes malicious JavaScript code which not only delivers fake security alter, but might also prevent from closing the browser or its tab. This functionality might scare less experienced computer users and convince them that they received a legit notification.
Your browser has been blocked scam is typically used for promoting FBI virus and its variations. Therefore, you might also receive messages claiming that “All activities on this computer have been recorded” or “All your files are encrypted” for these reasons:
- viewing or distributing prohibited pornographic content,
- neglectful use of PCs,
- violation of copyright and related rights,
- etc.
Your browser has been blocked message is created to look like genuine law violation notification which is supposedly delivered by authorities, such as FBI, EUROPOL, RCMP, Gendarmerie Nationale, etc. that are known worldwide. However, these organizations never blackmail people by locking web browsers and sending threatening messages like:
YOUR BROWSER HAS BEEN BLOCKED. ALL PC DATA WILL BE DETAINED AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURES WILL BE INITIATED AGAINST YOU IF THE FINE IS NOT PAID.
YOUR BROWSER HAS BEEN BLOCKED UP FOR SAFETY REASONS.
ALL PC DATA WILL BE DETAINED.
ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED.
Authors of the Your browser has been blocked virus urge to pay $300, 200 GBP, or 200 Euro fine using Ukash, PaySafeCard or GreenDot MoneyPak in order to get the access to your web browser. However, it’s a clear terror that is used against inexperienced computer users who are afraid of going to prison.
The success of the “Your browser has been blocked” virus hides in malicious website’s operation. As we have mentioned in the beginning, some compromised sites are designed to prevent users from closing it. Additionally, the scam sites usually include “Leave this page” button. However, it may be inactive or close scam website temporarily.
To remove Your browser has been blocked malware from the browser for good, you have to check the system for adware[2] or other potentially unwanted applications that might force the browser to display this alert. The best way to achieve this goal is to scan the system with Reimage or another anti-malware.
Your browser has been blocked scam removal might also be performed manually. However, it’s a quite challenging task, but if you are willing to take it, follow the removal guide at the end of the article.
Click 'Start -> Control Panel -> Programs and Features' (if you are 'Windows XP' user, click on 'Add/Remove Programs').
If you are 'Windows 10 / Windows 8' user, then right-click in the lower left corner of the screen. Once 'Quick Access Menu' shows up, select 'Control Panel' and 'Uninstall a Program'.
Right click on each of suspicious entries and select 'Uninstall'
Cick 'Go' and select 'Applications'
Click on every malicious entry and select 'Move to Trash'
Click on menu icon and select 'Manage add-ons'
Right click on each of malicious entries and select 'Disable'
Delete malicious URL, enter your desired domain name and click 'Apply' to save changes
Go to 'Advanced' tab and click on 'Reset' button. Now select 'Delete personal settings' and click on 'Reset' button again
Go to Settings and select 'Choose what to clear'
Select 'Clear' button
Open the start menu and select 'Task Manager'
Right-click 'Microsoft Edge' and select 'Go to details'
Select 'More details' if 'Go to details' option fails to show up
Find Microsoft Edge entries and select 'End Task'
Go to Microsoft Edge folder on your computer, right-click every entry and click 'Delete'
Find Windows PowerShell, right-click it and select 'Run as administrator'
Copy and paste a required command and press 'Enter'
Click on menu icon and select 'Add-ons'
Select 'Extensions' and look for malicious entries. Click 'Remove' to get rid of each of them
Click on menu icon and then on '?'. Select 'Troubleshooting Information'
Click on 'Reset Firefox' button for a couple of times
Click on menu icon. Select 'Tools' and 'Extensions'
Look for malicious entries and delete each of them by clicking on the Trash bin icon
When in 'Settings', select 'Manage search engines...'
Click 'X' to remove malicious URLs
When in 'Settings', scroll down to 'Reset browser settings' button and click on it
Click on 'Reset' button to complete your removal
Click on 'Safari' and select 'Preferences'
Go to 'Extensions' and uninstall malicious add-ons
Click on 'Safari' and select 'Reset Safari...'
Select all options and click on 'Reset' button
Browser Blocked Based On Your Security Preferences – a new version of the scam that asks to call fake tech support
Security researchers from NoVirus.uk[3] report about a new scam that also reports about a blocked web browser. However, this variant does not directly demand to pay several hundreds of dollars to avoid spending years in prison. Authors of the “Browser Blocked Based On Your Security Preferences” scam asks to call “System Administrator.”
So-called “Browser Blocked Based On Your Security Preferences” virus is an example of technical support scam.[4] It operates as an adware program which can sneak into the system bundled with freeware or shareware. Once inside, it might alter any web browsers settings and start browser redirect to a scam website that displays the following message:
WARNING!
Your browser has been blocked based on your security preferences
We have detected a possible virus adware_pop.exe on your PC. Your banking details as well as personal details are not safe anymore. You are at immediate risk for personal identity theft.
Call your certified administrator at 1 (888) 427-3330 to remove this virus.
Automatically report details of possible security incidents to system administrator, Privacy policy
Call System administrator: 1 (888) 427-3330
Additionally, the website displays a pop-up asking to download an unknown file. However, some compromised sites do not even need users to click “Allow” button (not recommended). Malicious files are downloaded automatically while you stay on this site.
Hence, if you end up on Browser Blocked Based On Your Security Preferences scam website, you should close or force-quit the browser immediately. Instead of calling a fake system administrator, obtain a reputable anti-malware software and get rid of malicious components that might reside on the system.
The ways how crooks promote scam websites
Redirects to scam websites that display “Your browser has been blocked up” alerts can be triggered by:
- high-risk websites, such as illegal video streaming, adult-themed, gaming, gambling, etc.;
- adware programs.
Therefore, in order to avoid being scammed, you should avoid visiting high-risk websites and watch out for adware programs. These applications are usually brought on the computer in the freeware or shareware bundles.
For this reason, you have to be attentive when installing free programs. First of all, choose reliable download sources and avoid torrents or similar P2P networks. Secondly, read EULA[5] and Privacy Policy. Thirdly, opt for Advanced/Custom installation mode instead of Quick/Recommended. Finally, monitor the process and opt out pre-selected “additional downloads.”
Instructions on how to get rid of Your browser has been blocked scam
To remove Your browser has been blocked malware from bombarding your browser, you have to look up for adware or other malware installed on your computer. You can investigate the system manually by following adware removal guide delivered at the end of the article. However, there’s a quicker method – scanning the system with anti-malware software, for instance, Reimage.
However, if you cannot start Your browser has been blocked virus removal due to the locked browser, you have to terminate web browser’s processes by following these steps:
- Press ctrl+alt+del on your keyboard and select Task Manager.
- When Windows Task Manager window shows up, select Processes tab and end the process of your affected web browser (If the virus is blocking your IE, you should end iexplore.exe, Google Chrome – chrome.exe, Safari – Safari.exe, Mozilla Firefox – firefox.exe).
Then, you can either install security software or look up for this cyber threat without it. However, if browser redirects to scam website come back, you should consider reinstalling the affected web browser.
Delete “Your browser has been blocked” virus from Android OS
Some versions of Your browser has been blocked up scam targets smartphones and tablets running on Android OS. However, there are still two elimination methods – manual and automatic. If you do not want to use anti-malware software, follow these steps:
If your browser has been blocked virus infected your Android OS, use these steps:
1. Reboot your Android device into Safe Mode:
- Find the power button and press it for a couple of seconds until you see a menu. Tap the Power off.
- Once you see a dialog window that offers you to reboot your Android to Safe Mode, select this option and OK.
If this failed to work for you, just turn off your device and then turn it on. Once it becomes active, try pressing and holding Menu, Volume Down, Volume Up or Volume Down and Volume Up together to see Safe Mode.
2. Uninstall malicious app (Police virus may hide under BaDoink, Video Player, Network Driver System, Video Render, ScarePakage and other suspicious names):
- When in Safe Mode, go to Settings. Once there, click on Apps or Application manager (this may differ depending on your device).
- Here, look for previously mentioned malicious app(s) and uninstall all of them.
If this failed, enter a random, 15 digit length, code of imaginary MoneyPak xpress Packed voucher that is asked by Your browser has been blocked virus or follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Security. Here, select Device administrators.
- Here, look for previously mentioned malicious app(s) and uncheck it
- In order to finish the removal of Your browser has been blocked virus, select Deactivate and OK.
You can remove Your browser has been blocked automatically with a help of one of these programs: Reimage, Malwarebytes Malwarebytes, Plumbytes Anti-MalwareNorton Internet Security. We recommend these applications because they can easily delete potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
To remove Your browser has been blocked, follow these steps:
Uninstall Your browser has been blocked from Windows systems
Follow the steps below to get rid of the Your browser has been blocked malware from Windows machine. Additionally, uninstall suspicious extensions from the affected web browsers and reset each of them.
-
Click Start → Control Panel → Programs and Features (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
-
If you are Windows 10 / Windows 8 user, then right-click in the lower left corner of the screen. Once Quick Access Menu shows up, select Control Panel and Uninstall a Program.
-
Uninstall Your browser has been blocked and related programs
Here, look for Your browser has been blocked or any other recently installed suspicious programs. -
Uninstall them and click OK to save these changes.
Eliminate Your browser has been blocked from Mac OS X system
To eliminate Your browser has been blocked up virus from Mac OS X, you have to uninstall questionable applications and reset affected web browser. Follow the guide below:
-
If you are using OS X, click Go button at the top left of the screen and select Applications.
-
Wait until you see Applications folder and look for Your browser has been blocked or any other suspicious programs on it. Now right click on every of such entries and select Move to Trash.
Delete Your browser has been blocked from Internet Explorer (IE)
-
Remove dangerous add-ons
Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top right corner of the browser and choose Manage Add-ons. -
You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for Your browser has been blocked and other suspicious plugins. Disable these entries by clicking Disable:
-
Change your homepage if it was altered by virus:
Click on the gear icon (menu) on the top right corner of the browser and select Internet Options. Stay in General tab. -
Here, remove malicious URL and enter preferable domain name. Click Apply to save changes.
-
Reset Internet Explorer
Click on the gear icon (menu) again and select Internet options. Go to Advanced tab. - Here, select Reset.
-
When in the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset again to complete Your browser has been blocked removal.
Get rid of Your browser has been blocked from Microsoft Edge
Reset Microsoft Edge settings (Method 1):
- Launch Microsoft Edge app and click More (three dots at the top right corner of the screen).
- Click Settings to open more options.
-
Once Settings window shows up, click Choose what to clear button under Clear browsing data option.
-
Here, select all what you want to remove and click Clear.
-
Now you should right-click on the Start button (Windows logo). Here, select Task Manager.
- When in Processes tab, search for Microsoft Edge.
-
Right-click on it and choose Go to details option. If can’t see Go to details option, click More details and repeat previous steps.
-
When Details tab shows up, find every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right click on each of them and select End Task to end these entries.
Resetting Microsoft Edge browser (Method 2):
If Method 1 failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method.
- Note: you need to backup your data before using this method.
- Find this folder on your computer:
C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe. -
Select every entry which is saved on it and right click with your mouse. Then Delete option.
- Click the Start button (Windows logo) and type in window power in Search my stuff line.
-
Right-click the Windows PowerShell entry and choose Run as administrator.
- Once Administrator: Windows PowerShell window shows up, paste this command line after PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> and press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml -Verbose}
Once these steps are finished, Your browser has been blocked should be removed from your Microsoft Edge browser.
WindowsMac OS XInternet ExplorerMicrosoft EdgeFirefoxGoogle ChromeSafariErase Your browser has been blocked from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
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Remove dangerous extensions
Open Mozilla Firefox, click on the menu icon (top right corner) and select Add-ons → Extensions. -
Here, select Your browser has been blocked and other questionable plugins. Click Remove to delete these entries.
-
Reset Mozilla Firefox
Click on the Firefox menu on the top left and click on the question mark. Here, choose Troubleshooting Information. -
Now you will see Reset Firefox to its default state message with Reset Firefox button. Click this button for several times and complete Your browser has been blocked removal.
Remove Your browser has been blocked from Google Chrome
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Delete malicious plugins
Open Google Chrome, click on the menu icon (top right corner) and select Tools → Extensions. -
Here, select Your browser has been blocked and other malicious plugins and select trash icon to delete these entries.
-
Click on menu icon again and choose Settings → Manage Search engines under the Search section.
-
When in Search Engines..., remove malicious search sites. You should leave only Google or your preferred domain name.
-
Reset Google Chrome
Click on menu icon on the top right of your Google Chrome and select Settings. -
Scroll down to the end of the page and click on Reset browser settings.
-
Click Reset to confirm this action and complete Your browser has been blocked removal.
Uninstall Your browser has been blocked from Safari
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Remove dangerous extensions
Open Safari web browser and click on Safari in menu at the top left of the screen. Once you do this, select Preferences. -
Here, select Extensions and look for Your browser has been blocked or other suspicious entries. Click on the Uninstall button to get rid each of them.
-
Reset Safari
Open Safari browser and click on Safari in menu section at the top left of the screen. Here, select Reset Safari.... -
Now you will see a detailed dialog window filled with reset options. All of those options are usually checked, but you can specify which of them you want to reset. Click the Reset button to complete Your browser has been blocked removal process.
About the author
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References
- ^ Margaret Rouse. PUP (potentially unwanted program). TechTarget. The network of technology focused web sites.
- ^ Adware. Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.
- ^ NoVirus. NoVirus. Cyber security and spyware news.
- ^ Andy O'Donnell. How to Spot a Tech Support Scam. Lifewire. Tech how-to guides and tutorials.
- ^ Erez Zukerman. 4 Ways to Read and Understand an End User License Agreement (EULA) More Easily. MakeUseOf. The guide in modern tech.