How to remove Your computer has been locked

“Your computer has been locked” continues its deceptive campaign

“Your computer has been locked” virus as a file-encrypting threat using the disguise of the FBI^[1]. The British version of the ransomware disguises under the authority of West Yorkshire Police. It has features of a trojan and tech support scam^[2]. The original version threatens you to transfer the ransom; otherwise, you will be arrested for the alleged crimes. 

Alternatively, by showing fake Google Chrome warning alerts, the infection aims to convince users that their operating system has been highly infected with viruses and persuade them into calling a technical support specialist. In this regard, at least the virus is right about one thing – the device has been infected with the malware.

The latest version, “Your computer has been locked’” screenlocker, locks the screen and asks to contact the technician. Either such call is charged with an extremely expensive rate or you might download a completely futile application. In any case, remove “Your computer has been locked.” It is known that the virtual infection is related to the family of Ukash viruses^[3], often detected in the form of ransomware.

As soon as the malware occupies the system and downloads the payload inside, the PC performance gets paralyzed. You will see only a huge and annoying alert saying that it's from Royal Canadian Mounted Police or from the Department of Justice. Proceed to Your computer has been locked removal. FortectIntego or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes speeds up the process. Here is one of the scam examples: 

Your computer has been locked. But dont worries, the files will never delete. Just your computer is locked because your computer has viruses. If you want the code, contact the nearest microsoft technician. The reason A unusal activity has been detected on your computer. Your computer might be at risk, and this is the reason the locked your computer. Click on the button to contact the nearest microsoft technician. Click on the button to contact it. Nearest Microsoft Technician found
Contact: +62 067885169823
|LINE ID: technician460

Once Your computer has been locked ransomware settles on the operating system, a series of unpleasant occurrences appear. The overall PC performance highly deteriorates, annoying alerts asking to restart the device pop up regularly, etc. It is not difficult to notice that it is a scam. Usually, the very text of “Your computer has been locked” ransomware or tech support scam is written with obvious grammar mistakes and typos.

The design alters as well. Even if the crooks devise a refined scam or malware and you get doubts about its legitimacy, look for a phone number. No legitimate system error asks you to call a specialist. In the case of “Your computer has been locked” scam you are expected to call +62 067885169823, 1800-235-661 or pay the ransom in exchange for the unblocking services.

Additionally, the malware may encrypt some of your important files. If you encounter the screen locker version of this malware, use the following code – 01548764GHEZG784. It will grant you access and you will be able to start the elimination process.

Your computer has been locked!
Warning!
Your computer has been locked due to violation of the law in Canada.
The following violations have been revealed:
– The act of the film shooting. Registration or transfer of documents with pornographic content involving minors, child pornography, sodomy and violence against children. The punishment provided by Article 163.1/164 of the Criminal Code of Canada entails imprisonment for a term of 5 to 7 years.
(other 'crimes')
To unlock your computer, you have to pay a fine in accordance with Canadian law in the amount of 100 euros. A penalty in the form of fine is possible only if it is your first violation. Repeated violation entails criminal liability. If you do not pay the fine, your computer will be confiscated and your case will be referred to the Court.You can pay the fine through our partner or by using Ukash voucher. You can get Ukash voucher for the amount of $250, then fill in the form, specifying a voucher code and then click on the “Pay the fine” button.
1. Your computer will be unlocked right after authenticity control of Ukash voucher. Usually it takes about 1-4 hours. Find your nearest store terminal
2. As for a Ukash voucher for $250
3. Give the retailer your cash including your fee
4. The shopkeeper will print your voucher with a 19-digit Ukash PIN
5. Take the voucher and pay the fine

Such messages are fake and you don't have to pay the ransom through Ukash, Paysafecard, Moneypak or other payment systems. “Your computer has been locked” malware is just a tool helping scammers to wheedle out money from users.

Distribution peculiarities

Like other samples of the same category, the virus might lurk in infected illegal file-sharing domains. There is also a risk to get redirected to the site which contains exploit kits^[4] – the harbingers of ransomware – by clicking on fake Google Chrome warning alerts. The latter might function as browser-based tech scams.

Note that such counterfeited messaged urge you to call “Google Chrome.” Note that the latter is a browser, not a company. In addition, in case of a genuine notification, it does not display any phone numbers. Additionally, beware of links to videos with unexpectedly high ratings. What is more, the hijack might occur via a spam attachment.

Such method has proven to be highly profitable as users still fall for fake police warning emails, customs declarations forms, and tax refund reports. Explore the email carefully to look for hints:

• grammar mistakes
• typos
• absence of credentials
• altered logo of the company

In case of doubt, verify the sender before extracting the menacing malware from the attachment. Clicking on it accelerates “Your computer has been locked” hijack.

“Your computer has been locked” elimination options

“Your computer has been locked” removal does not take long if you entrust the process to a security tool, such as FortectIntego or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. These applications will get rid of all ransomware components shortly. If they are updated daily, they will guard the operating system from minor and more complex viruses.

If you cannot remove “Your computer has been locked” virus due to some system errors or problems with the downloading process, follow the guide to regaining the access. After that, take a look at data recovery options. Note that this malware targets non-native English users, such as Czech^[5], as well.