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Spyware News
  • Active
  • Severity: High
  • Malware
  • Windows, Mac
  • Verified · Mar 2018

How to remove Your browser has been blocked

A step-by-step removal guide for affected devices. Follow the verified procedure below — most readers complete it in under 10 minutes.

Lucia Danes · Virus researcher

Your browser has been blocked is an online scam that might be delivered on any web browser

Your browser has been blocked scam examples

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 FortectIntego 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 screenshot

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 Mac version

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.

Your browser has been blocked up for safety reasons

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 FortectIntego 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.

Your browser has been blocked malware

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.”

Your Browser Has Been Blocked Based On Your Security Preferences scam

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.

Your Browser Has Been Blocked Based On Your Security Preferences virus

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, FortectIntego.

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:

  1. Press ctrl+alt+del on your keyboard and select Task Manager.
  2. 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:

  1. Find the power button and press it for a couple of seconds until you see a menu. Tap the Power off.
  2. 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):

  1. When in Safe Mode, go to Settings. Once there, click on Apps or Application manager (this may differ depending on your device).
  2. 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:

  1. Go to Settings > Security. Here, select Device administrators.
  2. Here, look for previously mentioned malicious app(s) and uncheck it
  3. In order to finish the removal of Your browser has been blocked virus, select Deactivate and OK.

Uninstall from Windows

Uninstall from Windows 10/8:

  1. Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
  2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 10/8

Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:

  1. Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
  2. In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 7/XP

Remove the unwanted program:

  1. In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
  2. If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.Uninstall the unwanted program from Windows

Delete from macOS

Remove the unwanted application:

  1. From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
  2. In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).Uninstall from Mac

Delete leftover files and folders:

  1. Select Go > Go to Folder.
  2. Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
  3. Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.Delete leftover files from Mac
  4. Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.

Reset Internet Explorer

Remove dangerous add-ons:

  1. Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
  2. Pick Manage Add-ons.
  3. You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.Remove add-ons from Internet Explorer

Change your homepage if it was altered:

  1. Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
  2. Select Internet Options.
  3. In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
  4. Click Apply and then select OK.Reset IE homepage

Delete temporary files:

  1. Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
  2. Under Browsing history, click Delete...
  3. Select relevant fields and press Delete.Clear temporary files from Internet Explorer

Reset Internet Explorer:

  1. Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
  2. Select Reset.
  3. In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.Reset Internet Explorer

Remove from Microsoft Edge

Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:

  1. Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
  2. From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
  3. Click Remove.Remove extensions from Edge

Clear cookies and other browser data:

  1. Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
  2. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  3. Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.Clear Edge browsing data

Restore new tab and homepage settings:

  1. Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
  2. Then find On startup section.
  3. Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.

Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:

  1. Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
  3. Select Details tab.
  4. Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.Reset MS Edge

Instructions for Chromium-based Edge

Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):

  1. Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
  2. Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chromium Edge

Clear cache and site data:

  1. Click on Menu and go to Settings.
  2. Select Privacy, search and services.
  3. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  4. Under Time range, pick All time.
  5. Select Clear now.Clear browser data from Chroum Edge

Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. On the left side, pick Reset settings.
  3. Select Restore settings to their default values.
  4. Confirm with Reset.
  5. This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.Reset Chromium Edge

Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
  2. Select Add-ons.
  3. In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.Remove extensions from Firefox

Reset the homepage:

  1. Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
  2. Choose Settings.
  3. Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.

Clear cookies and site data:

  1. Click Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security section.
  3. Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
  4. Click on Clear Data...
  5. Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.Clear cookies and site data from Firefox

Reset Mozilla Firefox

If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
  2. Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.Reset Firefox 1
  3. Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
  4. Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.Reset Firefox 2

Remove from Google Chrome

Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

  1. Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
  2. In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chrome

Clear cache and web data from Chrome:

  1. Click on Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
  3. Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
  4. Click Clear data.Clear cache and web data from Chrome

Change your homepage:

  1. Click menu and choose Settings.
  2. Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
  3. Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.

Reset Google Chrome:

If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
  3. Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
  4. Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
  5. Confirm with Reset settings.Reset Chrome 2

Delete from Safari

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
  2. Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.Remove extensions from Safari

Clear history and website data:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
  2. Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.Clear history from Safari

Reset Safari:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
  2. Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
  3. From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.Reset Safari

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