Website access has been restricted Virus
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Website access has been restricted?
The online message, 'Access Restricted!', appears when trying to access popular websites (such as Facebook, YouTube, Google, Bing, etc.) This is a Hosts file hijacker virus, a redirect virus created to coerce unsuspecting PCs users into completing online surveys.
Cyber criminals responsible for creating this scam receive commission each time users complete these deceptive online surveys. Internet users should be aware that completing these surveys can lead to serious privacy issues and considerable phone charges.
Commonly, online surveys such as these are used to collect users' private information or encourage subscription to costly mobile services. In some cases, Internet users are coerced into downloading software or browser add-ons, which may lead to serious security-related issues.
This Hosts file hijacker virus is proliferated using fake downloads - users are tricked into downloading this virus, which is disguised as a hacking tool, video codec, etc. This type of scam (misleading Hosts file modification) is not new, and is a security threat similar to the "You have been blocked from our website! virus.
A screenshot of a deceptive online message used to coerce Internet users into completing online surveys:
Cyber criminals responsible for creating this scam hope that unsuspecting PC users will believe that they are unable to access certain websites (due to downloading pirated software), and will then complete an online survey after clicking the 'UNLOCK' button. In fact, online messages such as these are not used by any legitimate websites - it is a scam created by cyber criminals.
A screenshot of the fake message "STOP! Please verify you are human!":
If this message appears on your Internet browser/s (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla FireFox etc.), it is a clear indication of the presence of a Hosts file hijacker virus on your system. Do not complete any online surveys and use the removal guide provided to eliminate this scam from your computer.
A deceptive message used to trick Internet users into completing online surveys:
Access Restricted!
Your website access has been restricted for downloading pirated software. To restore normal browsing, press "unlock" below. Once verified you can download our unlocker.
Please complete one survey or offer below to verify you're human. You must use valid details.
STOP! Please verify you are human!
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- What is Website access has been restricted?
- STEP 1. "Website access has been restricted" virus removal using software.
"Your website access has been restricted for downloading pirated software" virus removal:
Internet browser redirects to a malicious website which encourages users to complete online surveys are caused by a Trojan, which modifies the operating system Hosts file. To remove this Trojan, download recommended malware removal software and run a full system scan.
After eliminating this Trojan, check your operating system Hosts file. Information stored in this file is responsible for resolving canonical names of websites. If the information within this file is changed by a malicious program, you may encounter redirect problems whilst surfing the Internet.
The Hosts file is used to resolve canonical names of websites to IP addresses. When it is changed, the user may be redirected to malicious sites, despite seeing legitimate URLs in address bar. It is difficult to determine sites are genuine when the Hosts file is modified.
To fix this, please download the Microsoft Fix It tool, that restores your Hosts file to the Windows default. Run this tool when downloaded and follow the on-screen instructions. Download link below:
Summary:
A browser hijacker is a type of adware infection that modifies Internet browser settings by assigning the homepage and default Internet search engine settings to some other (unwanted) website URL. Commonly, this type of adware infiltrates operating systems through free software downloads. If your download is managed by a download client, ensure that you decline offers to install advertised toolbars or applications that seek to change your homepage and default Internet search engine settings.
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