How to identify scams like "System Has Been Locked For Your Safety"
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is "System Has Been Locked For Your Safety"?
"System Has Been Locked For Your Safety" is a fake pop-up error message displayed by a malicious website, which users visit inadvertently (they are redirected by various unwanted programs). Research shows that these programs also infiltrate systems without users' consent (the "bundling" method).
As well as causing unwanted redirects, dubious apps also deliver intrusive online advertisements and continually record various user-system information.
More about the "System Has Been Locked For Your Safety" scam
This pop-up states that the system has been blocked due to a high-risk ransomware-type infection called WannaCry. It is also stated that the user's files and identity is at risk. Therefore, users are encouraged to contact "Microsoft technicians" via a toll-free telephone number ["0044 (800) 069 8527"] provided immediately.
Victims are then supposedly guided through the removal process. Be aware, however, that "System Has Been Locked For Your Safety" error is a scam. There is no infection. The symptoms of WannaCry ransomware are different to other viruses. The error message is merely an attempt to scare and trick victims into calling and paying for services that are not required.
Therefore, you should never trust this message. It can be removed simply by closing the web browser. Be aware that potentially unwanted programs employ a "virtual layer" to deliver pop-up, coupon, banner, and other similar advertisements. The virtual layer is a tool that enables placement of third party graphical content on any site.
Therefore, displayed ads often conceal underlying content, thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience. In addition, some lead to malicious websites and clicking them can result in high-risk adware or malware infections. Another downside is information tracking.
Potentially unwanted programs often collect IP addresses, URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, geo-locations, mouse/keyboard activity, and other similar information that might contain personal details. This data is shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse private details to generate revenue.
Therefore, having an information-tracking apps installed on your computer can result in high-risk adware or malware infections. For these reasons, unwanted apps must be uninstalled immediately.
| Name | "System Has Been Locked For Your Safety" virus |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
| Fake Claim | The operating system has been locked for your safety, ransomware has been detected on a computer |
| Disguise | Warning from Microsoft |
| Tech Support Scammer Phone Number | 0044 (800) 069 8527 |
| Symptoms | Fake error messages, fake system warnings, pop-up errors, hoax computer scan. |
| Distribution methods | Compromised websites, rogue online pop-up ads, unwanted applications. |
| Damage | Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft, possible malware infections. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Examples of similar scams
There are numerous fake errors similar to "System Has Been Locked For Your Safety". The list of examples includes (but is not limited to) Windows Defender Alert, Microsoft Warning Alert, Your Computer Is In Blocked State, and Your Windows Has Been Banned.
All claim that the system is damaged in some way, however, as with "System Has Been Locked For Your Safety", these errors should be ignored - they are designed only to generate revenue for the developers. In fact, potentially unwanted programs also have identical objectives.
By offering various 'useful features', they attempt to give the impression of legitimacy. In fact, these apps merely cause unwanted redirects, deliver advertisements, and record various user-system information. They are useless for regular users.
How did adware install on my computer?
Potentially unwanted programs are distributed using a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" - stealth installation of third party software with regular apps. Developers hide all information regarding modification of browser settings within the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings.
Users often rush the download/installation processes and skip steps. In doing so, they expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
There are two simple steps you should take to prevent this situation. Firstly, select the "Custom/Advanced" settings and carefully analyze each step. Secondly, decline offers to download/install additional applications and cancel those already included.
The appearance of "System Has Been Locked For Your Safety" scam pop-up (GIF):
Text presented within "System Has Been Locked For Your Safety" pop-up:
SYSTEM HAS BEEN LOCKED FOR YOUR SAFETY *** DO not use mouse or press any key until you know safe side instructions ***
If you are not aware of the safe side instructions, call the Toll free number to remove the issues. The WannaCry Ransomware infection detected is vulnerable attack and cause data and identity theft which may lead to cybercriminal activities. Microsoft technicians can walk you through the removal process over the phone to protect your identity. Note: Do not ignore this critical warning. DO NOT TRY TO RESTART OR SHUT DOWN YOU COMPUTER. THIS WILL MAKE THE WORM ACTIVE. Immediately Call the toll free number without delay. Toll Free 0044 (800) 069 8527
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is System Has Been Locked For Your Safety?
- STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove adware from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue extension from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Adware removal:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.
Windows 10 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
macOS (OSX) users:
Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
In the uninstall programs window, look for any suspicious/recently-installed applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:
Click the "gear" icon 
(at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the "system has been locked for your safety" virus, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.
Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.
In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.
Click the Reset button.
Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, select these entries, and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the "system has been locked for your safety" virus, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click "Extensions", in the opened window remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with "system has been locked for your safety" virus removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon 
(at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the "system has been locked for your safety" virus, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a pop-up scam?
A pop-up scam is a deceptive message that appears on your screen, pretending to be a legitimate alert about issues like infections or errors on your computer.
What is the purpose of a pop-up scam?
The scammers behind these schemes aim to deceive users into paying for fake or unnecessary products or services, downloading malicious software, granting remote access to their computers, or disclosing sensitive information.
Why do I encounter fake pop-ups?
These pop-ups usually come from unreliable web pages. Users often encounter them through links in fraudulent emails, ads from adware or questionable sites, or notifications from untrustworthy pages. Additionally, visiting sites associated with rogue advertising networks, such as torrent sites, can lead users to scam pages.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?
Combo Cleaner scans every website you visit and can identify malicious sites, including those that deliver pop-up scams. If such a site is detected, you will be promptly warned and access will be blocked.
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