How Cautious Are You and Your Team with Online Security?
Most of us know the basics of online safety: watching out for phishing scams, avoiding dodgy downloads, and not clicking on suspicious links. But there’s a new and even sneakier malware that tricks users into giving up Google login details by forcing full screen mode and blocking navigation buttons.
What Is This New Malware?
This malware doesn’t have a catchy name yet, but it’s part of a larger threat called “Amadey”, which has been spreading rapidly since August. Here’s how it works: the malware forces your PC into a setting known as “kiosk mode”—a mode that public computers often use to restrict access to a single window. Kiosk mode locks your browser in full screen, hiding all usual navigation buttons like the address bar and menus. Then, it displays a fake Google password reset page.
For more information on protecting your online accounts, visit Google Account Security.
Why Escaping Kiosk Mode Won’t Be Easy
Normally, you’d press the Esc or F11 keys to exit full screen mode, but this malware blocks those options. It’s designed to make you believe that entering your password will resolve the issue. Unfortunately, the fake password reset page looks almost identical to Google’s real page. If you type in your details, a second piece of malware will capture them instantly, delivering them directly to cyber criminals.
How to Escape This Malware Trap
Here’s the good news: you can break free from this trap without surrendering your login details. If your browser gets stuck in full screen, try these alternatives:
- Press ALT+TAB to switch tasks
- Use ALT+F4 to force-close the window
- Open Task Manager (CTRL+ALT+DELETE) to close the browser
If all else fails, restart your PC by holding down the power button or unplugging it. Once your system restarts, consider having an expert (like us) examine it for malware.
Stay Safe with Prevention Tips
Prevention is your best defense. Be cautious if your computer starts acting strangely, especially if your browser locks into full screen mode and blocks you from navigating away. Avoid clicking suspicious links or downloading attachments you aren’t certain about. For detailed advice on malware prevention, read Norton’s Malware Protection Tips. No matter how tempting it is to “fix” an annoying screen, never enter your password unless you’re 100% sure the website is legitimate.
If you’d like us to train your team on avoiding the latest scams, get in touch.
