Advice Request Did windows defender just lock me out?

[porkpiehat]

not quite sure where to post this, but I was browsing album covers, I clicked on a pic to get a close up, and windows defender went crazy.... locked my computer up, audible alerts, flashing screen, and a warning message telling me not to switch off, or reboot, but to phone a certain phone number to get assistance in how to recover the computer. Something in the back of my mind told me not ring the number, so I rebooted.... everything seems fine, so my question is... is this legit, or the actions of a virus? looking into history I found the offending link, and security centre error... any advice really would be welcome... cheers.

 

[brambedkar59]

Could be a Lock screen malware or just a scareware. You should make a new thread here.

Windows Malware Removal Help & Support

Get help removing adware, malware, spyware, ransomware, trojans, and viruses from Windows PCs. Follow the instructions in the pinned topics first. For security purposes, only authorized members may respond to requests for assistance.

malwaretips.com

Don't forget to read this before making a new thread.

 

[Arequire]

Probably just a tech support scam. Usually nothing to worry about and has no relation to Windows Defender.

Can you clarify what you mean by "security centre error"?

 

[porkpiehat]

in my history it said 'security centre error' and then the link..

 

[Arequire]

in my history it said 'security centre error' and then the link..

Ah. Yeah, that's nothing to worry about.

 

[porkpiehat]

my word, very convincing though, I must admit...

thanks for the info..

 

[Arequire]

my word, very convincing though, I must admit...

They wouldn't be used if they weren't effective.
The best defence is knowing that your antivirus simply isn't going to behave like that (hysterically) if it does block access to something malicious.

 

[shmu26]

Something in the back of my mind told me not ring the number, so I rebooted.

That was the voice of reason speaking. You did the right thing.

 

[porkpiehat]

did various checks with 360, WV, and AdwCleaner... all good.

 

[SeriousHoax]

Delete your browser cache and that website from your browser history.

 

[porkpiehat]

Delete your browser cache and that website from your browser history.

done!

 

[Ink]

@porkpiehat Please visit Windows Malware Removal Help & Support.

Thread closed.