Remove “Your browser has been locked” from Apple Mac OS X

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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If your Apple Mac OS X browser is locked, and you are seeing a “Your browser has been blocked ” notification from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Australian Federal Police or any other law enforcement agency, then your Safari web browser has been hijacked.
[Image: Your browser has been locked FBI MAC OS X]
For years, Windows users have been plagued by ransomware demanding several hundred dollars to unlock their computers.
The bad guys know there is a growing market of Apple consumers who, for the most part, feel pretty safe about browsing the Internet on a Mac without the need for any security product.
Cyber-criminals, well known for not re-inventing the wheel, have ‘ported’ the latest ransomware to OS X, not by using some complicated exploit but rather leveraging the browser and its ‘restore from crash’ feature.
The “Your browser has been locked” ransomware page is being pushed onto unsuspecting users browsing regular sites but in particular when searching for popular keywords.

The “Your browser has been locked” MoneyPak virus will display a bogus notification that pretends to be from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and states that your computer has been blocked due to it being involved with the distribution of pornographic material, SPAM and copyrighted content.

The “Your browser has been locked” virus will hijack your Safari browser, so whenever you’ll open this program, it will display instead a lock screen asking you to pay a non-existing fine of  $300 in the form of a MoneyPak voucher.
A quick look at the address bar shows an interesting URL: fbi.gov.id657546456-3999456674.k8381 . com, the bad guys are clearly trying to fool users.
If you choose to ignore the message “Your browser has been locked” Mac OS X, you cannot get rid of the page, as you will see this notification:

Your web browser has been locked.
All PC data will be detained and criminal procedures will be initiated against you if the fine will not be paid.

Furthermore, to make this alert seem more authentic, this virus also has the ability to access your installed webcam, so that the bogus “Your browser has been locked” notification shows what is happening in the room.

If your computer is infected with the “Your browser has been locked” MoneyPak virus, then you will see the following Safari web page:
[Image: Your browser has been locked Apple Safari]
The message displayed by the threat can be localized depending on the user’s location, with text written in the appropriate language.

HE FBI FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION CYBER DEPARTMENT

All activities of this computer have been recorded
All your files are encrypted. Don’t try to unlock your computer!
Your browser has been locked due at least one of the reasons specified below.

You have been subjected to violation of Copyright and Related Rights Law (Video, Music, Software) and illegally using or distributing copyrighted contents, thus infringing Article 1, Section 8, Clause 8, also known as the Copyright of the Criminal Code of United States of America. Article 1, Section 8, Cause 8of the Criminal Code provides for a fine of two to five hundred minimal wages or a deprivation of liberty for two to eight years.
You have been viewing or distributing prohibited Pornographic content (Child Porno photos and etc were found on your computer). Thus violating article 202 of the Criminal Code of United States of America, Article 202 of the Criminal Code provides for a deprivation of liberty for four to twelve years.
Illegal access has been initiated from your PC with ought your knowledge or consent, your PC may be infected by malware, thus you are violating the law on Neglectful Use of Personal Computer. Articles 210 of the Criminal Code provides for a fine up to $100,000 and/or deprivation of liberty for four to nine years. Pursuant to the amendment of Criminal Code of United States of America of May 28, 2011, this law infringement (if it is not repeated – first time) may be considered as conditional in case you pay the fine of the States.
To unlock your computer and to avoid other legal consequences, you are obligated to pay a release fee of $300. Payable through GreenDot MoneyPak (you have to purchase MoneyPak card. load it with $300 and enter the code). You can buy the code at any shop or gas station. MoneyPak is available at the stores nationwide.
When you pay the fine, your browser will be unblocked in 3 to 12 hours after the money is put into the States’s account. Please note: Fine may only be paid within 12 hours. As soon as 12 hours elapse, the possibility to pay the fine expires. All PC data will be detained and criminal procedures will be initiated against you if the fine is not paid.

The “Your browser has been locked” Safari lock screen is a scam, and you should ignore any alerts that this malicious software might generate.

Under no circumstance should you send any MoneyPak code to these cyber criminals, and if you have, you can  should request a refund, stating that you are the victim of a computer virus and scam.

“Your browser has been locked” Apple Mac OS X – Virus Removal Guide

This page is a comprehensive guide, which will remove the “Your browser has been locked” Mac OS X infection from your your computer. Please perform all the steps in the correct order. If you have any questions or doubt at any point, STOP and ask for our assistance.
OPTION 1: Remove Your browser has been lockedmalicious web page from Apple Mac OS X by resetting Safari to its default settings
OPTION 2: Remove Your browser has been lockedbrowser hijacker Apple Mac OS X virus using Force Quit for your browser
OPTION 3: Remove Your browser has been lockedmalicious web page from Apple Mac OS X by disabling Javascript

OPTION 1: Remove Your browser has been lockedmalicious web page from Apple Mac OS X by resetting Safari to its default settings

To remove the Your browser has been lockedbrowser hijacker from Safari, we will need to reset your browser to its default settings.

  1. Click on the Safari menu and then choose Reset Safari
    [Image: Select Reset Safari from the menu]
  2. In the new windows, make sure all items are marked and click on the Reset button.
    [Image: Reset Safari to default settings]

OPTION 2: Remove Your browser has been lockedbrowser hijacker Apple Mac OS X virus using Force Quit for your browser

  1. Press Command + Option + Escape simultaneously. This will open the open the Force Quit Applications window.
    [Image: Press Command + Option + Escape to start Force Quit menu]
  2. Select Safari, Chrome, Firefox or any other browser in which your are seeing the Your browser has been lockedransomware notification.
    [Image: Select Firefox, Chrome or Safari from Force Quit menu]
  3. Click the button that says “Force Quit“. This will forcefully end your browser program, thus removing the Your browser has been lockedbrowser hijacker.
    [Image: Click on the Force Quit button to remove Your browser has been lockedvirus]
    If you cannot switch from the unresponsive app, press Command + Option + Shift + Esc for three seconds to force it to quit. This key combination tells OS X to force quit the frontmost app.

OPTION 3: Remove Your browser has been lockedmalicious web page from Apple Mac OS X by disabling Javascript

  1. Click on Safari in your browser menu, located at the top of your screen. When the drop-down menu appears, select the choice labeled Preferences…
    Please note that you can use the following keyboard shortcut in lieu of the aforementioned menu item: COMMAND (APPLE) + COMMA
    [Image: Select Preferences from the Safari menu]
  2. Safari’s Preferences dialog should now be displayed, overlaying your browser window. Click on the tab labeled Security.
    [Image: Select Security from the Safari menu]
  3. Safari Security Preferences should now be displayed. In the third section from the top, labeled Web content, is an option titled Enable JavaScript. By default, this option is checked and therefore active. To disable JavaScript, simply uncheck the appropriate box. Then you should be able to close Your browser has been lockedand browser away.
    [Image: Disable Javascript in Safari]
    Once you have closed Gov.adultpoliceweb.com, you can enable Javascript again in Safari.

To protect your Apple Mac OS X from future infections, we recommend that you download and install avast! Free Antivirus for Mac.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

55 thoughts on “Remove “Your browser has been locked” from Apple Mac OS X”

  1. I was like the guy below but I live in England and it shows you two policemen then you have to pay a fine.
    I wondered what I did wrong so I just pulled the internet plug and the power plug out.
    Then I restarted it, later on I found out that it was a scam.

  2. Oh my god. Thank you I was so scared. I was afraid my whole life was crashing lol. I ended up figuring out how to close it on my iPhone but I actually thought the police were after me! I researched It though. Whew!

  3. Hello,
    Did you follow the above steps? You can also try to disconnect from the Internet, open Safari, browse away from the malicious page, then clean your browser cache. Then connect back to the Internet.

  4. Just got this on my iPad Air using Safari. Just browsing Bing images and BANG!

    Just go into safai settings and clear everything.

  5. If you let the browser sit for exactly three days, and restart your computer, you will be returned to your home page, no harm done.

  7. thanks a lot man. none of their stuff was working on chrome, so I tried the task manager and it saved me. thanks once again.

  10. once you escape the page, does the virus go away, or is it still on my computer lurking somewhere waiting to strike again?

  11. Just unplug your mac. Then disconnect your router. and plug mac back in connect your router and then click on the apple and select restart. That gets rid of FBI

  12. Can’t get to the Preferences or Reset options in Safari, and Force Quit does not get rid of the locked screen window. I restarted my computer after doing Force Quit, but the locked screen window continues to come up. Any suggestions? Thanks.

  14. I was on Salon.com online magazine and this page popped up. I was shocked! Thanks for your help with this.

  15. I just minimized the page so I could access task manager and closed my browser from there(applications)..no biggy..but I wasn’t surfing for porn at the time.i was googling to find out what the most popular music is that teens were listening to in other countries and in europe.i guess the word teens attracted the scam page? or the combination of words I used.i don’t remember now exactly how I worded the inquiry.yeah,the site claimed that I’ve been charged with the crime of downloading child porn,etc..had my ip number,city,etc..that’s so easy to do it’s unreal..my personal web page collects much more than that from visitirs via a software called tracemyip.that kind of program is common and usually free to download or to use.i pretty well knew what was going on when the thing popped up.i figured since I have the pay version of avast and it didn’t alert me that it wasn’t anything but javascript scam.so I clicked to minimize the page (couldn’t access task manager otherwise) and from “applications” I closed the browser(IE in my case)..I love challenges.

  17. Hello,
    This infection is nothing more than a javascript on a web page, so it does not drop any files on your machine.
    It will NOT lock down your machine or encrypt your files, you just need to follow the steps from this guide, and that’s it!
    DO NOT SEND ANY KIND OF MONEY TO THESE CYBER CRIMINALS!

    stay safe!

  18. My computer had this problem I just force quite Google Chrome is that ok? Will they still go after you after the range of 24hours to 72hours if you don’t pay? I don’t know because I’m scared what should I do if it actually locks?

  19. So as long as the webpage is gone the virus is gone too? If so, this was a great way to easily fix the problem. Thanks so much!

  25. You should really add that there is a Norton Antivirus scan Mac users can perform. The scan is free to download on the App store on your computer. Just search for it. I’d double check with that after all this, just to reassure everything is secure.

  27. For some reason I got a porn pop-up. After that I got an F.B.I. pop-up saying I was in violation of watching child porn. I was confused, but it didn’t lock. Was it because I was on Chrome, or something else. I could close the pop-ups and nothing happened. Should I worry?

  28. Hello,
    Yes, cyber criminals are always chancing the design of this lock screen however the scam works the same.
    Your browser gets “locked”, and you are asked to pay a $300 fine, for some fake reasons……

    Stay safe!

  29. theres a new one that just came out days ago. looks more real and has a tiny on page image that shows your ip address and city location. just a forewarning!

  30. Hello,
    Lets try these steps:
    1.Click on Safari in your browser menu, located at the top of your screen. When the drop-down menu appears, select the choice labeled Preferences…

    Please note that you can use the following keyboard shortcut in lieu of the aforementioned menu item: COMMAND (APPLE) + COMMA

    2. Safari’s Preferences dialog should now be displayed, overlaying your browser window. Click on the tab labeled Security.

    3.Safari 5’s Security Preferences should now be displayed. In the third section from the top, labeled Web content, is an option titled Enable JavaScript. By default, this option is checked and therefore active. To disable JavaScript, simply uncheck the appropriate box.

    Close your browser, then open it again. Go to google.com, then you can re-enable the JavaScript option.

    Stay safe!

  32. the ‘reset’ option was blocked for me too, so I forced quit Safari, turned off my wifi, reopened Safari, closed the tabs, and then reset Safari.
    SHould we delete any other files on our computers that the malware may have installed?

  33. Thanks a lot. I needed to do Option2 first because the Reset option was inactivated as well. When I reopened the error message was still there but the Reset option was active and I could do Option1. I cleared History and it seems to be working fine. I really appreciate your help!!!

  38. MAC + FireFox
    I had this malware on my MAC while using FireFox. The only way to close FireFox was with key combo Cmd+Opt+Esc. Force Quit FireFox. Then when I reloaded the page, I closed the pop up window before it could load. Finally, I deleted all the history. It seems to be working fine now. Do I need to check anywhere else for this Malware to be hidden? Thanks for your help.

  43. Can you please try the following options:
    Hold down Command-Shift-Option-Escape (OR
    Command+Alt+Escape) for three seconds .
    This should force quit your application, and make that annoying page disapear.

    Let me know if it works…. Stay safe!

  44. what about google chrome?I tried removing it but it wont work.Been stuck since morning.Would be greatfull if you would help me.

  45. Hello,
    Did you uninstall Safari? Or what software?
    There are not malicious files on your MAC, so you can calm yourself down. :)
    This infection is leveraging the browser and its ‘restore from crash’ feature, basically it has “sticked” that page on your Chrome, however there should not be malicious files on your computer. So resting the browser settings is enough to remove this ransoware.
    Stay safe!

  46. Holy crap. My heart sank into my stomach when I got this message. I was wtf!? Are you serious? It happened on my Mac when I was browsing tumblr and was being redirected to another site. However, I was able to click out of before the page fully loaded and nothing happened. I rebooted just to be safe and everything is working just fine now.

  49. Hello,
    This infection is leveraging the browser and its ‘restore from crash’ feature, basically it has “sticked” that page on your Chrome, however there should not be malicious files on your computer. So resting the browser settings is enough to remove this ransoware.
    Stay safe!

  50. I almost had a heart attack when I saw this just a minute ago. I ended up turning off my computer because I didn’t know what else to do and lo and behold it went away. Also, it was the right thing to do apparently. When I got back in I thought, ‘That must have been fake’. I looked it up and my search brought me here. So glad it’s not an actual fine. I literally had a panic attack though.

  52. Gotta love mac Reset worked many thanks. Mac is hardware they cant reach that windows is open and the software is way to open . Bless you .

  53. I downloaded the source code and all associated files for this piece of junk when it showed up in Firefox on my Mini. There are 154 repeat instances of the “Are you sure you want to leave this page?” javascript. Just for sh!ts & giggles I ran it again and it went through ALL 154 warnings, before the page finally closed on its own.
    This IS NOT a virus, but a very deep set of javascripting, counting on most people to “give up” before they reach the end of it.
    My brother got hit with the REAL FBI ransomware virus on his PC. It’s a nasty one, a “rootkit” that launches the browser with the hijacked message BEFORE the user can even get to their desktop. It disables keyboard commands to get out of it (like Alt+F4 or Ctrl+Alt+Del) and entering a MoneyPak code DOESN’T remove it. We did the ONLY thing a PC user can… Reformat and reinstall Windows.
    I’ve tried for years now to get my brother to switch to Mac and I really thought this experience (he nearly lost four years of business records – thankfully the virus DIDN’T affect his external drive) would finally do it. He just bought an HP laptop with Windows 8

  55. They made a very created web page that had an endless loop of “locked” messages. I was surfing pr0n, and got this message instead of the usual site referral BS. I was using “private browsing,” as always, when surfing pr0n, so all I did was force-quit the Safari. I was still curious, though, so I looked it up and found your post. Thanks for the info. Yet another failed OS X exploit!

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