Locked Computer Screen – by Microsoft Security Troubleshooting

Another Microsoft Windows computer operating system problem, imagine that. I received a question pertaining to a computer being locked, on a third party website where by I earn supplemental income answering computer and technology related questions. Here is the original question quoted verbatim.

My HP laptop has been locked by Windows Security. They locked my computer and viruses are being sent over my computer. I am communicating with you on a second computer.

This individual was using a Hewlett Packard computer with Microsoft Windows ten operating system installed. They were communicating with me on a computer with Microsoft Windows seven operating system installed. They were able to fix this issue by powering off and then powering back on their computer.

You can press the power button on the Microsoft Windows ten computer until it powers off. You will want to make sure to keep the power button pressed, until it powers off completely. Then you will have successfully performed a cold boot.

Once that computer completely powers off, then try to power it back on. You can see if you can log in if boots to the login screen. This individual claimed that they received a verbal message stating that their computer was locked by the Microsoft security team.

Microsoft corporation does not hire employees to lock your computer. Microsoft also does not call people out of the blue. There are a great many Microsoft support scams perpetrated now a days.

This to me is another one of those scams. The perpetrators will use your emotions against you and convince you to call a telephone number or visit a website. Then they will lure you into giving them plenty of money.

There is another form of malware called scare ware. This is exactly what I am speaking of. They will scare you into making a decision to purchase support at a possible ridiculous price point.

Just because cold booting your computer fixed this issue, does not necessarily mean that you are clear and free. Your computer may have been infected by malware, spyware, and viruses. You will want to perform full malware, spyware, and virus scans on your computer.

Since this computer had Microsoft Windows ten operating system installed, you could use the built in already installed Microsoft Windows defender software program. Microsoft Windows defender will scan for both malware and viruses. Microsoft Windows defender may not be the best malware and virus scanner software program available.

However, it still may detect some infections. Microsoft Windows ten operating system has a free malware and virus tool already installed called Windows Defender. You can run a full scan with that computer software program.

You can click on the Microsoft Windows ten operating system start menu icon in the lower left corner. Then you will want to select “Search” and type in “Windows Defender”. Now you can choose “Windows Defender Security Center”.

I also use Emsisoft Emergency Kit, to scan for malware and spyware on Microsoft Windows operating system based computers. SuperAntiSpyware is another tool I use to scan for malware and spyware.

You do not necessarily have to use the above malware, spyware, and virus software tools. Microsoft Windows defender is convenient and not that difficult to use. Plus now Microsoft Windows defender is designed to scan for malware and spyware infections, as well as for virus infections.

The point is to run some malware, spyware, and virus scans. I would not feel pressured to call any telephone number or visit any website offered in these potential scare ware scams. Not only will you be paying potentially a lot of money for these services, but you may be allowing somebody nefarious access to your computer.

Once they gain access to your computer, they then gain access to all your data. They could install malware, spyware, and even viruses now. Also, they could literally install a keystroke logger that will log all of your mouse clicks and keyboard activity.

Believe it or not, they could be watching you use your computer, all after they hung up the telephone call with you or disconnected the remote support connection. Another tip is to always back up your computer data, because you just never know when you will end up in a computing quagmire. You need to become cautious of what websites you visit.

Also, you need to think of a plan of action, if you do indeed run across a locked computer screen caused by malware. You do not necessarily want to become emotional about your predicament and make further mistakes. You could also perform a Microsoft Windows operating system restore.

You could restore your Microsoft Windows based computer back to before you had this problem. This could potentially remove any nefarious malware, spyware, or virus from your Microsoft Windows ten operating system based computer.

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Protecting Yourself from Microsoft Technical Support Scams

Introduction:

The pervasive problem of technical support scams continues to pose a significant threat to individuals and their digital security. Among the many technilogical giants targeted by scammers, Microsoft corporation remains one of the prime targets for these fraudulent activities. With their vast end user base and popularity, scammers take advantage of non suspecting end users by impersonating Microsoft technical support.

In this addendum blog post, we will delve into the major types of Microsoft operating system technical support scams, how they operate, and most importantly, how you can protect yourself from becoming a victim.

Understanding Microsoft Technical Support Scams:

Technical support scams involving Microsoft usually come in two distinct forms: not solicited telephone calls and pop-up advertisements.

Not Solicited Telephone Calls:

Scammers call non suspecting individuals, pretending as Microsoft corporation representatives, and claim that there is a problem with the target's computer or software. They persuade victims to provide remote access to their computer devices, allowing scammers to install malware, steal personal information, or extort money.

Pop-up Advertisements:

Another common tactic is the use of deceptive pop-up advertisments that appear while browsing the internet. These advertisements display alarming messages, such as warnings about viruses or system errors, along with a fake Microsoft support telephone number. End users who call this telephone number end up in the hands of scammers who further deceive them into granting remote access or paying for not necessary services.

Red Flags to Look Out For:

To protect yourself from falling victim to Microsoft technical support scams, it is crucial to remain vigilant and identify some warning signs. Here are a few red flags to be aware of:

Not Solicited Contact:

Microsoft corporation never initiates contact with end users unless a support request has been initiated by the end user themselves.

Requesting Remote Access:

Microsoft support will never ask for remote access to your computer device unless a specific request has already been made.

Payment through gift cards or wire transfers:

Genuine Microsoft technical support will never demand payment through non conventional methods such as gift cards or wire transfers.

Protecting Yourself from Microsoft Technical Support Scams:

To shield yourself from these scams and safeguard your digital security, here are some proactive measures to take:

Educate Yourself:

Learn about common scam tactics employed by fraudsters. You can stay informed about Microsoft's official support services, ensuring you can identify scammers accurately.

Enable Security Software:

You can install reputable anti-virus and anti-malware software on your computer devices. You will want to regularly update it and use it to scan for potential threats.

Never provide personal or financial information:

You can become cautious about sharing personal or financial details over the telephone or online without verifying the legitimacy of the request.

Verify the Source:

You can always validate the credentials of the person or organization you are dealing with. Genuine Microsoft technical support representatives will have a clearly defined identification process.

Report the Scam:

If you ever encounter a Microsoft technical support scam, report it immediately. You can inform the authorities and Microsoft corporation, providing sufficient details to help prevent further attacks.

In Conclusion:

Awareness and vigilance are crucial to combat Microsoft technical support scams. By staying informed about the red flags, employing security measures, and verifying the legitimacy of requests, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these deceptive schemes. Remember, Microsoft corporation will never initiate not solicited support requests, so stay alert, and if in doubt, verify the source before taking any action.

How to Fix Locked Microsoft Security Screen Video Transcript