Advice Request Tool to Force Close a Hijacked Browser by Popup

[SearchLight]

Sometimes whether I am using Chrome or Firefox the browser gets Hijacked by a pop-up that requires some type of response or action. When this happens it is hard to close the browser or force it.

Is there a tool that would either prevent this from happening or force close the browser?

BTW, I use UbO ad blocker with both browsers.

 

[SeriousHoax]

Try using this extension on Firefox Popup Blocker (strict)

 

[oldschool]

I use UbO ad blocker with both browsers.

Do you use µBO in Easy Mode or Medium Mode?

 

[Ink]

Are you able to close the tab (or browser) with the built-in Task manager in Chrome or Firefox?

 

[Freki123]

Have you checked the build in FF settings?
ff option>privacy & security> permissions > block pop-up windows
option>privacy & security> permissions > notification(settings) > block new requests (not sure if related)
Maybe a other filter list for uBo is needed for that? (since I'm not using it atm better wait for the pros) To be honest I couldn't recall when I last saw a popup hijack and I have to admit I sometimes browse "strange"

 

[SearchLight]

Do you use µBO in Easy Mode or Medium Mode?

Just have UbO installed with Nano integration filters as described in other thread. What adjustment should I make?

 

[SearchLight]

Are you able to close the tab (or browser) with the built-in Task manager in Chrome or Firefox?

No. It was like browser was frozen.

 

[Ink]

No. It was like browser was frozen.

In that case, use your preferred process management tool to force close the browser.

Check out this for uBlock Origin users:

Medium mode protection (blocking third-party scripts and frames) enhances security

New Update - uBlock0rigin in Medium mode for Lighter and Stronger Protection, with Less websites breakage and hassle

Why a seperate thread? I got a few questions of the uB0 settings I posted in Old School's uB0 tips and tricks. In stead of stealing that thread I thought it might be better to create a new thread to explain these settings. I also got a question how to apply this on other browsers, so I left out...

malwaretips.com

 

[oldschool]

Just have UbO installed with Nano integration filters as described in other thread. What adjustment should I make?

Easy Mode with filter lists only, no matter how many, cannot match Medium Mode (block 3rd party scripts & frames) because the latter harnesses the power of the lists + global blocking, etc. You can also see more info here: Discuss - uBlock Origin/Nano Adblocker - user tips, questions and issues thread. No one can make you use medium mode, but it provides more protection when used properly and is worth learning more about it. Please also check the µBO Wiki: gorhill/uBlock and other links in my thread.

Are you able to open browsers without pop-ups showing upon start? More details might help. If the pop-ups appear randomly you should post your issue in Malware Removal thread. I see you don't have a security configuration posted, which might help others assess your situation as well.

 

[upnorth]

Try using this extension on Firefox Popup Blocker (strict)

Same one I use with Opera.

Popup Blocker (strict)

Popup Blocker (strict) is a lightweight extension to prevent websites from opening pop-ups. The extension pauses all sort of window opening requests for user attention. You can either accept or deny a request. Multiple unique requests are shown in an array. If a website requests a single URL...

addons.opera.com

 

[SearchLight]

Just an update, I am now using UbO in Medium Mode, and so far, so good. No broken websites encountered yet.

Info regarding the various settings, I found here: Best uBlock Origin Filter Settings To Block All Ads on Your Device and also here as well: gorhill/uBlock

 

[oldschool]

Just an update, I am now using UbO in Medium Mode, and so far, so good. No broken websites encountered yet.

Info regarding the various settings, I found here: Best uBlock Origin Filter Settings To Block All Ads on Your Device and also here as well: gorhill/uBlock

Great. If or when you run into broken websites that are tough to un-break then please post in the "Disuss: µBO/Nano etc... " thread (above) for help. Usually breakage happens for login, comments sections, videos, etc. And for sites you trust, if needed you can noop iframes & scripts to fall back to Easy mode+ and still block e.g. Google, Twitter, etc. (assuming you have previously blocked these globally).

 

[brambedkar59]

Closing via Alt+F4 or Task Manager (Ctrl+Alt+Del) usually works. Does that not work while getting a pop-up?

 

[SearchLight]

Closing via Alt+F4 or Task Manager (Ctrl+Alt+Del) usually works. Does that not work while getting a pop-up?

Maybe my task manager was kaput for the purpose. I will look for an alternative. Maybe Microsoft ProcExp.

After trying Ublock Origin in medium mode, which seems to be working, I read elsewhere here that someone tried SmartAdblock which sounds promising as an alternative to choosing rules, and customizations. I am going to give it a try. For those who may be interested in the particulars, information can be found here: SmartAdBlock.

I should add that the choice of your ad blocker is one of individual preference, so what works for me, may not work for you. UbO has been around for a while, so it is a known quantity, and you will not go wrong either if you choose to try it, and decide to keep it. Be sure to read the well documented guides posted on this site concerning the various modes easy, medium, and advanced.

Happy Ad Blocking!