ISP HAS BLOCKED YOUR PC Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is ISP HAS BLOCKED YOUR PC?
"ISP HAS BLOCKED YOUR PC" is another fake error displayed by a malicious website. Users often visit this site inadvertently - they are redirected by potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) that typically infiltrate systems without consent.
Research shows that, as well as causing redirects, PUPs deliver intrusive advertisements (coupons, banners, pop-ups, etc.), gather various information, and potentially misuse system resources to run unwanted background processes.
"ISP HAS BLOCKED YOUR PC" error states that the Internet service provided has blocked the system due to a type of malware infection. Note that "ISP HAS BLOCKED YOUR PC" is advanced as compared to other fake errors.
For example, it detects users' Internet service providers and uses its name in the pop-up (e.g., "Verizon HAS BLOCKED YOUR PC", "Comcast HAS BLOCKED YOUR PC", "Time Warner Cable HAS BLOCKED YOUR PC", etc.) In addition, the malicious website runs a script that that immediately runs and downloads multiple files simultaneously.
In doing so, this malicious website freezes or crashes the web browser, thereby imitating infection symptoms. The pop-up also states that the malware has stolen various personal details (e.g., logins/passwords, banking details, etc.) and encourages users to immediately contact Microsoft via a telephone number ("+1-888-340-9232") provided.
Microsoft 'certified technicians' then supposedly guide victims through the malware removal process. Note, however, that "ISP HAS BLOCKED YOUR PC" error is a scam. It is fake and has nothing to do with Microsoft.
Cyber criminals claim to be certified technicians and attempt to trick users into paying for unnecessary technical support - all claims regarding computer infections and stolen data are false. In addition, developers of these viruses might demand remote access to victims' computers. Once connected, they stealthily install malware and/or change system settings.
They claim to "discover" other issues and then offer further help for an additional fee. For these reasons, you should ignore "ISP HAS BLOCKED YOUR PC". Remove it by closing the web browser (preferably, via "Task Manager") or rebooting the system. Note that after re-running the web browser, you should not click "Restored Closed Tabs", otherwise you will visit this malicious website again.
PUPs often deliver various ads. To achieve this, developers employ various tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, the ads often conceal underlying website content, significantly diminishing the Internet browsing experience.
Furthermore, they often lead to malicious websites and, in some cases, execute scripts that download/install malware. Therefore, even accidental clicks can result in high-risk computer infections.
PUPs continually gather IP addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, keystrokes, geo-location, and other similar information that might contain personal details. Collected data is typically sold to third parties and there is a high probability that this data tracking will lead to serious privacy issues.
Some PUPs are known to mine cryptocurriences or run other irrelevant processes in the background. In doing so, they significantly reduce overall system performance. For these reasons, we strongly advise you to uninstall all potentially unwanted programs immediately.
| Name | "ISP HAS BLOCKED YOUR PC" 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. |
"ISP HAS BLOCKED YOUR PC" is very similar to Microsoft Azure, Windows Product Key Expired, Google Security Warning, and many others. As with "ISP HAS BLOCKED YOUR PC", these errors also claim that the system is damaged, however, they should never be trusted - their only purpose is to to extort money from unsuspecting users.
Potentially unwanted programs are all virtually identical. They offer certain "valuable" features, and yet, deliver no real value for regular users. PUPs pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.
How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?
Some PUPs have official download/promotion websites, however, most are distributed using intrusive ads, together with a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" (stealth installation of rogue software together with regular programs). Therefore, due to lack of caution and careless behavior by many users, PUPs typically infiltrate systems without permission.
Be aware that "bundled" applications are often hidden within various sections (e.g., "Custom/Advanced" settings) of the download/installation processes. Many users rush these processes and skip steps. Furthermore, they click various ads without considering the possible consequences. In doing so, they expose their systems to risk of various infections.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
The key to computer safety is caution. Therefore, to prevent system infiltration by PUPs, be very cautious when downloading/installing software and browsing the Internet. Carefully analyze each step of the download/installation processes and cancel all additionally-included programs.
We also advise you to download your applications from official sources only using a direct download link (third party downloaders/installers often proliferate dubious apps).
Furthermore, intrusive ads typically look legitimate, however, they are distinguishable for their redirects - most lead to gambling, adult dating, and other dubious apps. If you experience these redirects, immediately eliminate all suspicious applications and browser plug-ins.
Text presented within "ISP HAS BLOCKED YOUR PC" pop-up:
ISP HAS BLOCKED YOUR PC
Error # 268D3
Call Microsoft immediately at: +1-888-340-9232
Do not ignore this critical alert.
If you close this page, your PC access will be disabled to prevent further damage to our network.
Your PC has alerted us that it has been infected with a virus and spyware. The following information is being stolen...
Facebook Login
Credit Card Detail
Microsoft Account Login
Photos stored on this PC.
You must contact us immediately so that our engineers can walk you through the removal process over the phone. Please call Microsoft within the next 5 minutes to prevent your PC from being disabled.
Call Microsoft: +1-888-340-9232
Screenshot of the website displaying "ISP HAS BLOCKED YOUR PC" pop-up:
Text presented within this site:
Windows Defender Pro
WARNING! Please Call +1-888-340-9232 Immediately!
Windows has detected potential malicious and dangerous malware on your system. We will now perform a quick scam of your system to detect and eliminate any and all threats.
Warning! 21 Malicious Virus Detected
PLEASE CALL +1-888-340-9232 IMMEDIATELY
The appearance of "ISP HAS BLOCKED YOUR PC" pop-up (GIF):
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 ISP HAS BLOCKED YOUR PC?
- 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 extensions from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Removal of potentially unwanted programs:
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 rogue extensions 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 "isp has blocked your pc" 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 "More 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 "isp has blocked your pc" 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 on "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with "isp has blocked your pc" 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 "isp has blocked your pc" 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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