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YOUR DEVICE HAS BEEN BLOCKED Scam (PC)

Also Known As: "YOUR DEVICE HAS BEEN BLOCKED" virus
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is YOUR DEVICE HAS BEEN BLOCKED?

"YOUR DEVICE HAS BEEN BLOCKED" is another fake error similar to You Have A Trojan!, WANNACRY DETECTED, Windows Detected ZEUS Virus, and many others. The message is displayed by a malicious website that users often visit inadvertently - they are redirected by various potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).

Research shows that these programs infiltrate systems without permission. In addition to causing redirects, PUPs misuse system resources, generate intrusive advertisements, and record various user-system information.

YOUR DEVICE HAS BEEN BLOCKED adware

The "YOUR DEVICE HAS BEEN BLOCKED" error states that the system has detected suspicious activity and that there is a possibility of high-risk computer infection. For these reasons, private details (banking information, logins/passwords, etc.) are at risk.

Users are encouraged to resolve these issues immediately, however, to do so they should contact 'technical support' via a telephone number ("+1-844-850-3385") provided. They are then supposedly guided through the entire process. Be aware, however, that, as mentioned above, "YOUR DEVICE HAS BEEN BLOCKED" is fake.

It is a scam - cyber criminals claim to be certified technicians and attempt to trick users into paying for their services that are not even needed - the malware simply does not exist. In addition, cyber criminals are likely to demand remote access to users' computers.

Once connected, they stealthily change system settings and/or install malware, and then falsely claim to "detect" additional issues and offer further services for an extra fee. For these reasons, never attempt to call the aforementioned telephone number.

"YOUR DEVICE HAS BEEN BLOCKED" can be removed simply by closing the web browser (preferably, via Task Manager) or rebooting the system, however, note that you should never click "Restore Closed Tabs" after re-running the browser, otherwise you will visit the malicious website (that displays this fake error) again.

As mentioned above, potentially unwanted programs (and some malicious websites) mine cryptocurrency or run other unwanted processes. By misusing system resources, PUPs/websites diminish overall system performance. Furthermore, potentially unwanted programs deliver coupon, banner, pop-up, and other intrusive ads.

These are delivered using various tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, displayed ads typically conceal web content, thereby diminishing the Internet browsing experience. There is also a high probability that intrusive ads will lead to malicious websites and/or even run scripts that download and install malware/PUPs.

Clicking these ads may cause high-risk computer infections. In addition, PUPs record various user-system information that might contain personally identifiable details. Collected data is later sold to third parties. Therefore, data tracking might lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. We strongly advise you to uninstall all potentially unwanted programs immediately.

Threat Summary:
Name "YOUR DEVICE HAS BEEN BLOCKED" 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.
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Research shows that all fake errors are virtually identical. They claim that the system is infected, missing files, or damaged in other similar ways, however, these false claims are merely attempts trick users into paying for technical services that are not required. Fake search engines are essentially designed to extort money from unsuspecting users.

Potentially unwanted programs also share many similarities. By offering various "useful features", these programs attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, as with fake errors, PUPs are designed only to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than enabling the features promised, PUPs pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.

How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?

Potentially unwanted programs are often proliferated using the aforementioned intrusive advertisements, together with a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". Due to careless behavior and lack of knowledge of some users, PUPs typically infiltrate systems without permission.

"Bundling" is stealth installation of third party programs together with regular software/apps. Developers do not disclose these installations properly - they hide "bundled" apps within the "Custom/Advanced" settings of the download/installation processes. By rushing these procedures and clicking various advertisements, users expose their systems to risk of various infections.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

To prevent system infiltration by PUPs, pay close attention when browsing the Internet, and downloading and installing software. Bear in mind that intrusive ads look legitimate.

Once clicked, however, they redirect to various suspicious websites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornogrpahy, etc.) If you encounter such ads, immediately eliminate all suspicious applications and browser plug-ins. In addition, carefully observe each window of the download/installation dialogues and decline offers to download/install additional applications.

It is also important to avoid using unofficial downloaders/installers, since criminals monetize them by promoting rogue programs (the "bundling" method). The key to computer safety is caution.

Text presented in "YOUR DEVICE HAS BEEN BLOCKED" pop-up:

YOUR DEVICE HAS BEEN BLOCKED
Error #268D3
Please call us immediately at: +1-844-850-3385
Do not ignore this critical alert.
If you close this page, your device access will de disabled to prevent further damage to our network.
Please call us immediately at: +1-844-850-3385
Your device has alerted us that it has been infected with a Suspicious Activity. The following information is being stolen.
Please call us immediately at: +1-844-850-3385
> Facebook logins
> Credit Card details
> Email Account Login
> Photos stored on this device
You must contact us immediately so that our engineers can walk you through the removal process over the phone. Please call us within the next 5 minutes to prevent your device from being disabled.

The appearance of "YOUR DEVICE HAS BEEN BLOCKED" pop-up (GIF):

YOUR DEVICE HAS BEEN BLOCKED scam 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:

Removal of potentially unwanted programs:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

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:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

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.

YOUR DEVICE HAS BEEN BLOCKED adware uninstall via Control Panel

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:

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing YOUR DEVICE HAS BEEN BLOCKED ads from Internet Explorer step 1

Click the "gear" icon Internet Explorer options 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".

Removing YOUR DEVICE HAS BEEN BLOCKED ads from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the "your device has been blocked" 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.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows XP

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.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 7

Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.

Reseting Internet Explorer settings to default in Windows 8 - accessing

In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - Internet options advanced tab

Click the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - click the Reset button in the Internet options advanced tab

Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - confirm settings reset to default by clicking the reset button

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing YOUR DEVICE HAS BEEN BLOCKED  ads from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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.

Removing YOUR DEVICE HAS BEEN BLOCKED ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the "your device has been blocked" virus, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing YOUR DEVICE HAS BEEN BLOCKED ads from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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.

Removing YOUR DEVICE HAS BEEN BLOCKED ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with "your device has been blocked" virus removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

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...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the "your device has been blocked" virus, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

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.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, 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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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
YOUR DEVICE HAS BEEN BLOCKED virus QR code
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