What is “McAfee has Blocked your Windows” lockscreen scam? How to unlock the “McAfee has Blocked your Windows” screen and remove this malware from your computer.
A new lockscreen cam has been detected to lock the screen of victims and ask them to call a fake tech support number. The malware aims to lead victims to a locked screen, claiming that “McAfee has Blocked your Windows”. The virus may then ask victims to provide Security Code to a fake technician hiding behind the phone number (301) 900-8084. This is a scam and a virus that is showing it and this is why if you have it on your computer, you should read this article to learn how to remove it and unlock your screen for free.
Threat Summary
Name | McAfee Lockscreen Virus |
Type | Lockscreen/Scam |
Short Description | The scammers aim to get you to call (301) 900-8084 and pay money to unlock your screen. |
Symptoms | Locks your screen and displays a message, claiming it was done by McAfee. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss McAfee Lockscreen Virus. |
Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
McAfee Lockscreen – How Did I Get It and What Does It Do?
The main method via which is used by the “McAfee has Blocked your Windows” scam is to slither a virus on your computer which tampers heavily with your registry editor. To do this, the malware may be spread via a variety of ways. One of them is to send you a fake e-mail, containing the infection file of the McAfee Lockscreen, whose main idea is to get you to download and run the infection file, thinking it is an important file. Such files are often posing in e-mails as important documents, invoices, receipts and other seemingly sensitive files.
Another way this virus could have ended up on your PC is if you have ran into a malicious web link by random browsing of the web or by being redirected to a virus site. Such sites can land on your PC via an unwanted program, like adware, that may cause a redirect on your browser to third-party sites.
The main screen of the McAfee Lockscreen scam appears like the following:
The screen contains a very convincing message that can get victims to pay, accusing the victimized computer that it has a virus, which could compromise credit card or other critical information.
McAfee has Blocked your Windows
This PC has been blocked because of Suspicious Activity Detected. To Protect the Windows
and it’s members Call McAfee Technical Department (301) 900-8084.
McAfee Security Alert Code: OO5BCCAC9OFEC
Your PC has been blocked because we detected an unusual activity on your computer. McAfee
Your Computer might be Infected by Harmful Viruses.
These viruses are well known for identity and credit card theft.
Further action on this computer or any other device on your network might reveal private information and involve serious risks.
McAfee Technicians will help you getting the Code to Unblock your Computer.
Please Call McAfee Technical Department (301) 900-8084.
Please provide the McAfee Security Alert Code to our Technician.
The end goal of this scam is to lure you into calling (301) 900-8084, where you most likely come in contact with the scammer(s) in question, who could pretend as official McAfee technicians. To fix your problem and unlock your screen, they want you to pay hundreds of dollars and this is the end goal of this scam.
Not only this, but bear in mind that this scam has come on your computer as a result of a virus, and this virus may be actually very dangerous. Besides locking your screen, it could also be capable of:
- Read and write files.
- Log the keystrokes you type on your computer.
- Obtain your personal information.
- Steal saved passwords.
- Get your IP and Mac addresses.
- Get microphone, camera and location information.
- Damage your files permanently.
This is why, the removal of this virus is stronlgy reccomended. Keep reading this article as it will help you delete this virus and try to restore any files if it has damaged them.
How to Unlock “McAfee has Blocked your Windows” and Remove It Fully
To gain access to your computer, the first step is to unlock your screen. To do this, enter the following unlock key, kindly provided thanks to malware analysts at Malware Hunter Team:
After unlocking your computer, we advise you to act immediately and remove this virus as fast as possible. You can do this by following the removal instructions on steps 1 and 2 if you know which registry entries and files are created by this virus on your computer. If you have no idea how to find them, then the best course of action for removing “McAfee has Blocked your Windows” is to download and run a scan with a specific anti-malware software. It aims to scan your computer for all of the virus files, belonging to “McAfee has Blocked your Windows” and remove them fully, plus protect your computer in the future too.
Although there is minimal chance that the “McAfee has Blocked your Windows” lockscreen has done any damage to your files, if you cannot open them, you can see the “Try to restore” step below. It has methods for file recovery, that can help a lot, if you have lost some or all of your files as a result of this virus.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for McAfee Lockscreen Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall McAfee Lockscreen Virus and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by McAfee Lockscreen Virus on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by McAfee Lockscreen Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove McAfee Lockscreen Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by McAfee Lockscreen Virus.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and McAfee Lockscreen Virus aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
McAfee Lockscreen Virus-FAQ
What is McAfee Lockscreen Virus Ransomware?
McAfee Lockscreen Virus is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does McAfee Lockscreen Virus Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does McAfee Lockscreen Virus Infect?
Via several ways.McAfee Lockscreen Virus Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of McAfee Lockscreen Virus is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .McAfee Lockscreen Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .McAfee Lockscreen Virus files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .McAfee Lockscreen Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".McAfee Lockscreen Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .McAfee Lockscreen Virus files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of McAfee Lockscreen Virus Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate McAfee Lockscreen Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .McAfee Lockscreen Virus files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can McAfee Lockscreen Virus Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the McAfee Lockscreen Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this McAfee Lockscreen Virus how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the McAfee Lockscreen Virus ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.
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