Screen Locked with Messages Displayed on It and Browser Redirection

Screen Locked with Messages Displayed on It and Browser Redirection: Causes and Solutions

Having your screen locked with a message displayed on it or experiencing browser redirection can be alarming. These issues are often caused by malicious software, such as viruses, adware, or browser hijackers. When your screen is locked or when you’re redirected to unfamiliar websites without your consent, it’s important to act swiftly to protect your personal information and restore your system’s functionality.

This article will explore the common causes behind these issues and offer practical steps to fix the problems and secure your device.

Common Causes of Screen Lock and Browser Redirection

1. Malware and Ransomware One of the most common reasons for a screen being locked with a message is malware, especially ransomware. Ransomware can encrypt your files or lock your screen and demand a ransom in exchange for the decryption key or to unlock your screen. The messages displayed often claim that your device is infected or that you need to pay a fee to regain access.
2. Adware and Browser Hijackers Adware is software designed to display unwanted ads on your screen. It often comes bundled with free downloads or software. Browser hijackers can redirect your web browser to unwanted or malicious websites, sometimes showing you pop-ups or ads while also changing your default search engine or homepage settings.
3. Tech Support Scams Some malicious actors use “tech support scam” pop-ups that lock your screen with an alarming message, warning that your computer has been infected. These messages usually ask you to call a toll-free number for assistance. However, this is a scam, and calling the number could lead to more malicious activities or attempts to steal personal information.
4. Fake Security Alerts Your screen may also be locked with a fake security alert claiming to have detected a problem on your device (e.g., “Your system is infected with a virus”). These types of alerts are designed to manipulate users into paying for unnecessary services or software. Often, these alerts are linked to browser redirections, which guide you to purchase fake security tools.
5. Browser Extensions or Add-ons Certain browser extensions or add-ons can cause browser redirection. These are often bundled with free software downloads. Once installed, they redirect your browser to malicious or advertising websites. In some cases, they may show pop-up messages, lock your screen, or change your homepage.

How to Fix Screen Lock with Messages and Browser Redirection

1. Disconnect from the Internet

If you notice your screen being locked with a message or are experiencing browser redirection, the first step is to disconnect your device from the internet:

• Wi-Fi: Turn off your Wi-Fi or disconnect from any active network.
• Ethernet: Unplug the Ethernet cable from your device.

Disconnecting from the internet will help prevent the malware from communicating with external servers and stop the redirection.

2. Close Suspicious Programs and Pop-ups

Try to close any suspicious programs or pop-up windows. If you cannot close them, use Ctrl + Alt + Delete (Windows) or Command + Option + Esc (Mac) to open the task manager (Windows) or force quit menu (Mac).

• Windows: In Task Manager, look for any unfamiliar programs and end the task.
• Mac: In the Force Quit menu, look for suspicious applications and close them.

If the message is related to ransomware, avoid interacting with it directly (e.g., do not click “OK” or any links in the message).

3. Boot into Safe Mode

If your screen remains locked or the browser continues to redirect, try booting into Safe Mode:

• Windows:
  1. Restart your computer and press F8 (or Shift + F8 for newer systems) repeatedly as it starts.
  2. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the Advanced Boot Options menu.
• Mac:
  1. Restart your Mac and hold down the Shift key while it starts up.
  2. This will boot your Mac into Safe Mode and disable unnecessary services and extensions.

Safe Mode allows you to troubleshoot the system without interference from malicious software.

4. Use Antivirus or Anti-malware Software

Once in Safe Mode, run a full scan with your antivirus or anti-malware software:

• Windows Defender: If you are using Windows, run Windows Defender (now known as Microsoft Defender) to perform a full system scan. You can do this by searching for Windows Security in the Start menu, then selecting Virus & Threat Protection > Full Scan.
• Third-party antivirus: If you have third-party antivirus software installed, such as Avast, Malwarebytes, or Kaspersky, use it to scan your system.
• Mac: Use tools like Malwarebytes for Mac or Avast Security to run a full system scan.

These programs can help detect and remove the malware causing your screen lock and browser redirection.

5. Remove Unwanted Browser Extensions

If the problem seems isolated to the browser, it could be due to a malicious browser extension:

• Google Chrome:
  1. Open Chrome and go to More (three dots) > More Tools > Extensions.
  2. Review your installed extensions and remove any that are unfamiliar or suspicious.
• Mozilla Firefox:
  1. Open Firefox and go to Menu > Add-ons > Extensions.
  2. Remove any extensions that you don’t recognize or trust.
• Microsoft Edge:
  1. Open Edge and go to More (three dots) > Extensions.
  2. Disable or remove any extensions you don’t need or recognize.

After removing the extensions, restart your browser and check if the redirection issue persists.

6. Reset Your Browser Settings

If removing extensions doesn’t solve the issue, you may need to reset your browser settings to their default state:

• Google Chrome:
  1. Open Chrome and go to Settings > Advanced > Restore settings to their original defaults.
  2. Click Reset settings to restore Chrome to its default settings.
• Mozilla Firefox:
  1. Open Firefox and go to Help > Troubleshooting Information > Refresh Firefox.
• Microsoft Edge:
  1. Open Edge and go to Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their default values.

Resetting your browser can help remove any persistent issues related to redirection or malicious settings.

7. Update Your Operating System and Software

Ensure your operating system and all software are up to date to patch any known vulnerabilities:

• Windows: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates.
• Mac: Go to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Software Update.
• Browsers: Make sure your browser is updated to the latest version to ensure security patches are applied.

Regularly updating your system and software can protect you from future attacks.

8. Change Passwords and Enable Two-Factor Authentication

If your system was infected by a virus or malware, it’s a good idea to change your passwords, especially for sensitive accounts like email and banking. Additionally, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all accounts that support it to add an extra layer of security.

Conclusion

Experiencing a locked screen with alarming messages or browser redirection can be a sign of malware or malicious activity. However, with the right approach, you can resolve the issue and regain control of your device. By disconnecting from the internet, running antivirus scans, removing malicious extensions, and resetting your browser settings, you can often fix these problems on your own.

If the issue persists or if you believe your device has been severely compromised, it’s advisable to seek help from a professional technician to ensure your system is fully cleaned and secured. Regular maintenance, such as keeping your system and software up to date, can help prevent similar issues in the future.