In today's world, everyone is aware of phishing scams, dodgy downloads, and suspicious links. But there’s a new kind of threat in town – one that’s designed to frustrate users into surrendering their Google login information.
This fresh malware, a branch of a larger threat called Amadey, is on the rise. It operates by forcing your PC into “kiosk mode” – a setting that restricts you to a single window, making your browser go full screen with no visible navigation buttons. You’re then redirected to a fake Google password reset page.
Naturally, you might think hitting the Esc or F11 keys will exit the full-screen trap. But in this case, the malware disables those shortcuts, hoping you’ll get frustrated and enter your login information to "reset your password." The fake page is nearly identical to Google’s, but the moment you type in your details, they're scooped up by malicious software working in the background, giving cybercriminals access to your data.
How to Escape the Trap
If you find your browser suddenly locked in full screen:
- Try ALT+TAB to switch tasks, or ALT+F4 to force-close the window.
- You can also use CTRL+ALT+DELETE to open Task Manager and end the process.
When all else fails, restart your PC by holding down the power button or unplugging it, then call in an expert (like us!) to investigate.
Prevention is Key
To stay ahead of threats, look out for any unusual computer behavior, especially if your browser switches to full screen and won’t let you navigate away. Avoid clicking unfamiliar links, and think twice before downloading unknown attachments. Most importantly, never enter your password unless you’re 100% sure the website is genuine.
Want your team trained on how to spot and avoid the latest scams? We’re here to help. Get in touch today to stay one step ahead of the latest cyber threats.
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