New Scam Freezes Browser to Panic Users
New Scam Freezes Browsers to Panic Users
Con artists have created a new method of deceiving users by freezing their browsers and displaying a security notification with bogus tech-support contact details. This adware scam has been found to affect users in both Windows and macOS. Their ultimate goal is to scare potential victims and trick them into dialing the fake hotline number on the screen.
The End Game
The scam works by displaying an error message indicating a bogus security breach incident that renders a browser unusable. It appears to be an important security message. These scammers capitalize on the fact that a serious crash can’t be solved by simply closing the site, thereby sending the users into a panic. This encourages them to dial the number listed on the warning message.
On the other end of the line, the scammers would pose as Microsoft or Apple representatives to convince users into surrendering their credit card details to repair a non-existing security issue. Whatever you do, please do not call the phone number for support because it is not Microsoft’s but rather a group of scammers waiting to rob you of hundreds of dollars under false pretenses. The scams are generally carried out through legitimate sites or malicious ads that have been hacked.
The Ingenious Process
This new scam operates against your browser by corrupting the window.navigator.msSaveOrOpenBlob programming interface, which basically uses it as a form of distraction. The hackers manipulate the browser and forces it to save a random document on a disk repeatedly at super fast intervals that are impossible to notice. After five to 10 seconds, your browser will be completely unresponsive.
The Easy Fix
To recover, Windows users simply have to open Windows Task Manager (press ctrl + shift + esc keys) and stop the process there. On the other hand, macOS users just need to wait until a system message prompts them to close the unresponsive Chrome tab. Typically, the latter is a more appealing option since users would have the freedom to close only the corrupted page. Manually closing the whole browser means possibly losing unsaved files in any open Windows.
When faced with IT-related issues, you need to determine how you can approach them calmly. The threats in the digital world may be terrifying and intimidating, but causing a panic in your workplace isn’t the answer. Call us at (800) 421-7151 as soon as any problems arise, and we’ll help you as soon as we can. We can even hook you up with other security measures to beef up your network security.
