Browser Blocked Based On Your Security Preferences Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Your Browser Has Been Blocked Based On Your Security Preferences?
Similar to Do Not Ignore This Windows Alert, VIRUS ALERT FROM MICROSOFT, Windows Warning Alert, and many others, "Your Browser Has Been Blocked Based On Your Security Preferences" is a fake error message displayed by a deceptive website.
In most cases, users visit this site inadvertently - they are redirected by potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) or intrusive ads displayed by other malicious sites. PUPs often infiltrate systems without permission and, as well as causing redirects, deliver intrusive ads, record various sensitive information, and even run unwanted background processes.
The "Your Browser Has Been Blocked Based On Your Security Preferences" error states that a potential infection has been detected and, for this reason, the web browser has been blocked. In addition, private information (banking details, etc.) is at risk.
Therefore, users are encouraged to immediately contact a "system administrator" via a telephone number ["1 (888) 427-3330"] provided. Note that the "Your Browser Has Been Blocked Based On Your Security Preferences" error automatically starts to download hundreds of randomly-named files.
In doing so, these websites force the system to use up to 100% of CPU and memory resources. Therefore, the system essentially becomes unusable (it barely responds) - this can trick users into believing that their systems are infected. In fact, "Your Browser Has Been Blocked Based On Your Security Preferences" is fake.
Cyber criminals attempt to scare and trick users into contacting fake technical support and paying for services that are not required. Therefore, the message should never be trusted - leave these sites immediately and the system will return to its previous state.
In addition, immediately open the browser's default download folder and delete all suspicious files with random names (all browsers have a feature that lists downloaded files and, therefore, you can check what has been downloaded). In addition, some malicious sites employ scripts that prevent users from closing browsing tabs/windows.
In these cases, close the browser via Task Manager or simply reboot the system, however, it is very important NOT to restore the previous session after re-running the browsers, otherwise the malicious sites are opened again.
Potentially unwanted programs deliver coupon, banner, pop-up, and other intrusive ads by employing various tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Displayed ads conceal visited site content (thereby diminishing the browsing experience), but might also redirect to malicious sites and even execute scripts that download/install malware.
Therefore, even a single click can result in high-risk computer infections. In addition, PUPs gather various information relating to web browsing habits. Collected information is likely to contain private details that developers share with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue.
Therefore, the presence of data-tracking apps can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. Furthermore, PUPs mine cryptocurrency or run other unwanted processes, thereby misusing system resources and significantly reducing overall system performance. For these reasons, all potentially unwanted programs must be eliminated immediately.
| Name | "Browser Blocked Based On Your Security Preferences" 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. |
As mentioned, "Your Browser Has Been Blocked Based On Your Security Preferences" shares many similarities with dozens of other fake errors. All essentially claim that the system is infected, missing files, or damaged in other similar ways, however, fake errors are designed only to abuse users' trust and trick them into paying for unnecessary services.
In some cases, fake errors promote rogue apps, such as fake anti-virus programs that can supposedly remove viruses (that do not even exist). Research shows that PUPs share many similarities .
By offering "useful functions", they attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, these programs are designed only to help developers generate passive revenue and, therefore, 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?
To proliferate PUPs, developers often use intrusive advertisements and a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" - stealth installation of third party applications together with regular software/apps. Developers know that users often rush download/installation processes and skip steps.
Therefore, "bundled" apps are hidden within "Custom/Advanced" settings or other sections of the download/installation processes. Therefore, rushing and skipping download/installation steps and clicking various ads, often leads to inadvertent installation of rogue applications.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
The main reasons for computer infections are poor knowledge and careless behavior. The key to safety is caution. Therefore, pay close attention when browsing the Internet and downloading/installing software.
Intrusive advertisements may seem legitimate, but once clicked, redirect to dubious sites (gambling, survey, pornography, etc.) If you encounter these ads, immediately remove all dubious applications and browser plug-ins.
It is also very important to carefully analyze each window (especially "Custom/Advanced" settings) of the download/installation processes and opt-out of all additionally-included programs.
Decline offers to download/install additional applications and opt-out of those already included. Note that criminals monetize third party downloaders/installers by promoting rogue apps (the "bundling" apps). Therefore, these tools should not be used.
Text presented in "Your Browser Has Been Blocked Based On Your Security Preferences" error:
WARNING!
Your browser has been blocked based on your security preferences
We have detected a possible virus adware_pop.exe on your PC. Your banking details as well as personal details are not safe anymore. You are at immediate risk for personal identity theft.
Call your certified administrator at 1 (888) 427-3330 to remove this virus.
Automatically report details of possible security incidents to system administrator, Privacy policy
Call System administrator: 1 (888) 427-3330
The appearance of "Your Browser Has Been Blocked Based On Your Security Preferences" error (GIF):
Hundreds of downloads executed by websites that display "Your Browser Has Been Blocked Based On Your Security Preferences" error:
Files downloaded by the malicious websites:
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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Quick menu:
- What is Your Browser Has Been Blocked Based On Your Security Preferences?
- 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 "browser blocked based on your security preferences" 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 "browser blocked based on your security preferences" 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 "browser blocked based on your security preferences" 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 "browser blocked based on your security preferences" 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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