2.8 million hit in frightening scareware attack that holds your browser hostage — how to stay safe
A new scareware attack known as CypherLoc has targeted 2.8 million people this year. The attack tricks users into believing their browser is locked, prompting them to call scammers for help. Security experts warn that this method combines phishing and social engineering to extract personal information from victims.
- ▪The scareware attack has affected 2.8 million individuals since the start of the year.
- ▪It uses phishing emails to direct users to a malicious webpage that appears harmless at first.
- ▪Once activated, the webpage locks the browser and displays alarming messages to prompt users to call for support.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Computing Internet Online Security 2.8 million hit in frightening scareware attack that holds your browser hostage — how to stay safe News By Anthony Spadafora published 20 May 2026 Your browser isn’t locked, scammers just want you to think it is When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Shutterstock) Copy link Facebook X Reddit Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Imagine this: one minute you’re checking your email, and the next, your browser is completely locked. If that wasn’t worrying enough, whenever you click your mouse, a warning sound plays and your current IP address is shown prominently on your screen.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Tom's Guide.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Tom's Guide
