Access To Your Computer Has Been Restricted Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Access To Your Computer Has Been Restricted?
"Access To Your Computer Has Been Restricted" is a fake pop-up error message displayed by a malicious website. Users are redirected to this site by various potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) that infiltrate systems without permission (the "bundling" method).
As well as causing unwanted redirects, PUPs deliver intrusive online advertisements and continually monitor browsing activity by collecting various user-system information.
The message states that the system is infected with some sort of malware and, therefore, access to the computer has been blocked. It is also stated that personal details (logins/passwords, banking information, etc.) are at risk. Therefore, victims must contact certified technicians immediately via a telephone number ("888-230-6741") provided.
They are then supposedly guided through the removal process. Be aware, however, that the "Access To Your Computer Has Been Restricted" error is fake. The viruses listed do not exist - criminals attempt to scare and trick victims into calling and paying for services that are not required. Therefore, never attempt to contact these people.
"Access To Your Computer Has Been Restricted" can be removed simply by closing the web browser. Be aware that PUPs employ a "virtual layer" to generate pop-up, coupon, banner, and other similar ads.
The virtual layer enables placement of third party graphical content on any site and, therefore, displayed ads often conceal underlying content, thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience. In addition, some redirect to malicious websites and clicking them risks high-risk adware or malware infections.
Another downside is information tracking - PUPs gather IP addresses, Internet service providers, geo-locations, website URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, mouse/keyboard activity, and other similar information.
This collected data might contain personal details that PUP developers share with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who generate revenue by misusing private information. Therefore, the presence of data-tracking apps can result in serious privacy issues or even identity theft. PUPs must be uninstalled immediately.
| Name | "Access To Your Computer Has Been Restricted" virus |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Symptoms | Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Decreased Internet browsing speed. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers. |
| Damage | Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
There are many fake error messages similar to "Access To Your Computer Has Been Restricted" including Microsoft Warning Alert, Windows Defender Alert, and Your Windows Computer Has Been Blocked. These are just some examples from many.
Note that all claim that the system is damaged in certain ways, however, as with Access To Your Computer Has Been Restricted, these errors are also designed to trick victims into paying for technical support that is not required. PUPs simply generate revenue for the developers.
By offering various 'useful features', they attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, they cause unwanted redirects, deliver intrusive ads, and collect various user-system information. These apps are useless for regular users.
How did adware install on my computer?
As mentioned above, PUPs are distributed using a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" - stealth installation of third party applications with regular software/apps. Developers know that many users rush the download/installation processes and skip steps.
Therefore, all bundled apps are hidden within the "Custom/Advanced" settings. By skipping this section, users expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Installation of PUPs can be prevented by taking two simple steps. Firstly, never rush when downloading and installing software. Select the "Custom/Advanced" settings and carefully analyze each step. Secondly, decline offers to download/install addition applications and cancel those already included.
Another variant of this scam, scammers are using +61-1800-431-245 phone number:
Text presented within "Access To Your Computer Has Been Restricted" scam pop-up:
ACCESS TO YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN RESTRICTED
Error #3658d5546db22ca
Please call us immediately at: 888-230-6741
Please do not ignore this safety alert. If you close this page before calling us, your computer access will be disabled to prevent future damage to our network.
Your computer has alerted us that it has been infected with a spyware and a virus. Our systems detected that the following information is compromised…
> Facebook Login
> Credit Card Number
> Email Account Login
> Photos stored on this computer
You must call us immediately so that our engineers can walk you through the removal process over the phone. A certified Windows Support agent is standing by for your call right now. Toll Free: 888-230-6741
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:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
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 Access To Your Computer Has Been Restricted?
- 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 potentially 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 "access to your computer has been restricted" 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 "access to your computer has been restricted" 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 "access to your computer has been restricted" 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 "access to your computer has been restricted" 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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