How to Unlock Your Browser

Your browser may display a “This browser has been locked” message if your computer has been infected by malware that deceptively poses as the FBI. The malware will instruct users to pay a fee to have their Internet browser unlocked, but you can unlock your browser free of charge by either resetting or quitting your browser in Windows and Mac OS X.

Method 1

Unlocking Your Browser in Windows

1. 
   1
   Right-click on the Windows taskbar located on your desktop.
2. 
   2
   Click on “Start Task Manager.” The Task Manager window will display on-screen.
3. 
   3
   Click on the Processes tab, then click on “Show processes from all users.”
4. 
   4
   Click on the process currently being ran by your Internet browser. For example, if you are using Google Chrome as your browser, click on “chrome.exe.”
5. 
   5
   Select “End Process” from the floating menu displayed on-screen.
6. 
   6
   Click on “End Process” again when asked to confirm that you want to end the process.
7. 
   7
   Click on “Yes” to end the process. The next time you launch your browser, it will no longer be locked.^[1]

Method 2

Resetting Your Browser on Mac OS X

1. 
   1
   Click on “Safari” and select “Reset Safari.”
   

   • If using Firefox, click on “Help > Troubleshooting Information > Reset Firefox.”
2. 
   2
   Verify that all items are checked within the Reset dialog box and click on “Reset.” Your browser will restore back to default settings, and will no longer be locked.^[2]

Method 3

Force Quitting Your Browser on Mac OS X

1. 
   1
   Press the Command, Option, and Escape keys all at the same time on your Mac computer. The Force Quit window will display on-screen.
2. 
   2
   Select the browser that is being locked by the malware program and click on “Force Quit.” Your browser will stop running, and will no longer be locked.

Tips

• Keep updated anti-virus and anti-malware software running on your computer at all times to stave off any attacks by malicious third parties. Having anti-malware software running in the background could limit your exposure to viruses, malware, and ransomware.
• Scan your computer for viruses and malware using updated anti-virus or anti-malware software after completing the steps in this article to verify that no other malicious third-party software is infecting your machine.
• You may also be able to unlock your browser by disabling JavaScript in your browser settings. The malware program that locks your browser requires the use of JavaScript, and may stop running if you take immediate steps to disable JavaScript.^[3]

Warnings

• Do not pay the fine as requested by the malware to unlock your browser. Your money will be routed to cybercriminals who may use your personal information for malicious purposes, such as identity theft.

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