How to remove Your browser has been locked

Your browser has been locked is a threat that not only locks the screen but also keeps you from using the browser and other apps

Your browser has been locked is a virus that drops a scam message about the recorded computer and encrypted files. The criminals require obtaining a MoneyPack payment card and transferring them $300 as a fee for various false violations and in order to unlock the browser and computer screen. 

This message has been developed by the same scammers who have been promoting the FBI virus, UK Police virus, and similar infections. Although the text and the design of the message seem to be professional and convincing, it is not brought by the “Cyber Department” or other authority. The virus is an illegal alert that is used for misleading gullible people and stealing their money. 

Once inside, Your browser has been locked virus is activated, and start modifying some of a PC's settings. Basically, this dangerous infection shows up when a victim opens the browser and starts browsing on the Internet. It can block any website on any web browser, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, and others.

The infection falsely claims that the user has violated some types of copyright laws by illegally distributing some copyrighted content. Another thing that the message accuses the user of is watching and spreading pornographic material that also violates the Criminal Code of the United States of America.

However, you should not put any belief in what Your browser has been locked is claiming as all these statements are provided in order to swindle money from you. Besides the mentioned facts, the message threatens that your computer has been infected with malware and files got encrypted. According to the crooks, the only way to reverse these changes is by paying the $300 fee. 

For a long time, it was believed that the virus can affect Windows OS only. Unfortunately, but security experts did not evaluate the [capabilities of the cybercriminals properly. We say so on the grounds that thousands of Mac OS users have already reported about these attacks. Usually, it enters computers using Trojan horse or exploit kits.

Right after that, it corrupts DNS^[1] settings, compromises registries, runs infected processes via Task Manager,^[2] and other suspicious tasks. Sooner or later, Your browser has been locked starts blocking websites that the user is visiting by displaying such and similar alerts:

Cyber Department
Federal Bureau of Investigation
All activities of this computer have been recorded
All your files are encrypted. Don’t try to unlock your computer!
(…)
To unlock your computer and to avoid other legal consequences, you are obligated to pay a release fee of $300. Payable through GreenDot MoneyPak (you have to purchase MoneyPak card, load it with $300 and enter the code).
You can buy the code at any shop or gas station. MoneyPak is available at the stores nationwide.

Looks familiar? This message may slightly vary. They may be brought by various law enforcement agencies, including FBI, Department of Justice, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, or Police Central e-crime Uni. Besides, the user may be accused of various illegal activities, such as child pornography watching and distributing, illegal file-sharing/downloading, and so on.

No matter how convincing Your browser has been locked notification may look like, NEVER follow its misleading instructions to pay the fine ($300) via MoneyPak, Ukash, Paysafecard, or other prepayment systems. Keep in mind that paying the money by following the ransomware request is just the same as giving away your money to online scammers.

Besides, paying the ransom will not help to get rid of the scam message. It will keep working on your OS and may later ask for the money once again. You should perform a clear Your browser has been locked removal, however, first, you should boot your Windows computer system via Safe Mode with Networking or System Restore to unlock the screen.

Afterward, you can remove Your browser has been locked message from your computer screen by closing the browser window. You should also run a full system scan and detect the cause of this notification as there might be some malware hiding in your computer. To fight the malware, try downloading and installing software such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, MalwarebytesMalwarebytes.

Malware delivery includes multiple techniques

You can encounter fake alerts that falsely come from cybersecurity agencies when you are browsing on unsecured websites. However, if the message keeps appearing frequently on your computer system, there might be some type of PUP such as adware or malware such as a Trojan virus^[3] on your computer system.

Continuously, you can download the malware by opening a malicious attachment that is attached to a misleading email message. The hackers often pretend to be from reliable shipping, healthcare, and finance companies. Always check the sender and the written content in the message before deciding to open any attachment.

Also, various malware can be distributed through peer-to-peer sources such as The Pirate Bay, BitTorrent, and eMule that offer to download various software cracks, video games, movies, and video clips. You should download all of your products and services from reliable sources and the original developers only.

According to cybersecurity specialists from Virusai.lt,^[4] malicious infections can also be produced through advertisements and hyperlinks that we meet across the Internet sphere. You should avoid browsing unsafe websites and clicking on every component that appears. Also, download and install a reliable antivirus tool on your computer.

“Your Browser Has Been Locked” FAQ:

Question: 'Your Browser Has Been Locked' keeps showing during my browsing. I am accused of the distribution of pornography and other illegal content, but I have never done that. I have heard about ransomware infections, so I assume that I'm encountering one of them. Am I? Please help!

Answer: Yes, exactly. The message that shows up during browsing and says that 'Your Browser Has Been Locked' is an indication that ransomware has entered your machine. If you want to find out more about it, read the article above. In case you seek to remove it and nothing else, install/update any of these programs and run a full system scan with it.

The removal possibilities for the ransom-demanding virus

Your browser has been locked removal is a process you should definitely carry out while dealing with this cyber threat. However, if the parasite has been preventing you from accessing your computer or web browser properly, you should boot the system in Safe Mode with Networking or activate System Restore. If you do not know how to handle such type of process, we have provided some instructing lines at the end of this article.

Continuously, you should remove Your browser has been locked and its cause with automatical software. There might be some malware in your Windows computer system that has been provoking this bogus message to appear. For this, use reliable antimalware products and complete a full removal. Also, you can scan the entire system for possible damage with tools such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes and try fixing any corruption found with other software such as FortectIntego.