The “Microsoft computer has been blocked” virus is a type of ransomware or tech support scam that aims to frighten users into calling a fake support number. Once the user contacts the scammers, they might be tricked into paying for unnecessary services or revealing personal information. Here’s how to remove this virus and protect yourself from future infections.
What is the ‘Microsoft computer has been blocked’ Virus?
This virus typically manifests as a pop-up message claiming that your computer has been blocked due to suspicious activity. The message often instructs you to call a provided phone number for technical support. The goal of this scam is to make you believe your computer is compromised and convince you to pay for fake repairs or services.
How to Remove the Virus
1. Disconnect from the Internet
To prevent further potential damage or data theft, disconnect your computer from the internet. This stops the scammers from accessing your system remotely and prevents further malicious activity.
2. Restart in Safe Mode
- For Windows 10/11: Hold down the Shift key while selecting Restart from the Start menu. In the Advanced Startup Options, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings, and click Restart. Once your computer restarts, press F4 to enter Safe Mode.
- For Windows 7: Restart your computer and press F8 repeatedly before the Windows logo appears. From the Advanced Boot Options menu, select Safe Mode.
3. Eseguire una scansione completa del sistema
Use a reputable antivirus or anti-malware tool to run a full system scan. This will help detect and remove the malicious software. Ensure your antivirus software is up-to-date before performing the scan.
4. Manually Remove Suspicious Programs
Check for and uninstall any unfamiliar programs:
- Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features (or Apps & Features in Windows 10/11).
- Look for recently installed or suspicious programs and uninstall them.
5. Clear Browser Cache and Extensions
If the virus used a browser-based pop-up, clear your browser’s cache and remove any suspicious extensions:
- For Chrome: Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data. Under Extensions, remove any unfamiliar add-ons.
- For Firefox: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data > Clear Data. Remove any unfamiliar extensions under Add-ons.
6. Ripristino delle impostazioni del browser
Resetting your browser settings can help remove any changes made by the virus:
- For Chrome: Andare su Impostazioni > Avanzate > Ripristino e pulizia > Ripristinare le impostazioni predefinite.
- For Firefox: Andare in Aiuto > Informazioni sulla risoluzione dei problemi > Aggiorna Firefox.
7. Check for System Updates
Ensure your operating system and all software are updated to the latest versions to fix any vulnerabilities that might have been exploited by the virus.
Come prevenire le installazioni future
1. Install and Maintain Security Software
Keep reliable antivirus and anti-malware software installed and regularly updated. Configure it to scan your computer frequently and automatically.
2. Be Cautious with Emails and Downloads
Avoid opening email attachments or downloading files from unknown or suspicious sources. Verify the legitimacy of emails and downloads before interacting with them.
3. Keep Software and Operating System Updated
Regularly update your operating system and software to patch any security vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates if possible.
4. Utilizzate password forti e uniche
Create strong, unique passwords for your accounts and avoid reusing passwords across different sites. Consider using a password manager to keep track of your passwords securely.
5. Educate Yourself on Common Scams
Familiarize yourself with common scams and phishing techniques. Being aware of how these scams work can help you avoid falling victim to them.
6. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication
Wherever possible, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for your accounts. MFA adds an extra layer of security beyond just a password.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove the “Microsoft computer has been blocked” virus and reduce the risk of similar threats in the future.