Computer takeover

Question

My computer has been 'taken over' and I need to know how and why. How do I fix this???

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Moved from: Microsoft Security | Microsoft Defender | Microsoft Defender for Cloud

Answer 1

What do you mean exactly by "taken over"? Does it look like a full screen warning of some sort that your computer has been infected, etc?

Can you please hold down Ctrl+Alt+Del, then launch Task Manager, and then end all browser items there to close it. That page is definitely scam, but as long as you didn't call the number and engage in any of the requested activities, your computer is not hacked. It is just a pop up page that can have some audio effect (sometimes) and display in full screen mode, so it appears the computer is locked.

Scammers use various methods to trigger these pop-ups. Pop-ups are a form of online advertising. They are often integrated into websites or applications through ad services. Many websites use third-party advertising services to display ads. Sometimes, these ad services might inadvertently allow scam ads to be displayed. This does not mean the website itself is malicious, but it indicates a lack of stringent ad vetting.

You can read more about this type of support scam here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/protect-yourself-from-tech-support-scams-2ebf91bd-f94c-2a8a-e541-f5c800d18435

Answer 2

If your computer appears to have been taken over, it may be due to a scam or malware infection. Here are some steps you can take to address the issue:

1. Do Not Engage with Pop-Ups: If you see pop-ups claiming that your computer is compromised, do not call any numbers or follow instructions from those messages. Microsoft will never contact you through unsolicited pop-ups.
2. Force Close Your Browser: If you are unable to close the pop-up, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, select your browser, and end the task.
3. Run a Full Malware Scan: Use Windows Security to perform a full scan. Go to Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options > Full scan. This will help detect and remove any malware.
4. Clear Suspicious Browser Extensions: Check your browser for any unfamiliar extensions. In Chrome, go to Settings > Extensions and remove anything you do not recognize.
5. Harden Your Browser Settings: Adjust your browser settings to block pop-ups and redirects. In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Site Settings > Pop-ups and redirects, and set it to "Don't allow sites to send pop-ups or use redirects."
6. Enable Enhanced Protection in Chrome: This feature helps detect dangerous sites before they load. Go to Chrome Settings > Privacy and Security > Security and choose "Enhanced protection."
7. Keep Your System Updated: Ensure that your Windows operating system is up to date with the latest security updates. You can check for updates in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.

If you continue to experience issues, consider seeking help from a professional or reporting the scam to Microsoft.

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References:

• I WAS HACKED - Microsoft Q&A
• Microsoft Security Advisory 921923