New 'scareware' attack hits 2.8 million victims, pretending to lock them out of your browser — here’s how you can stay safe
A new scareware attack named CypherLoc has affected approximately 2.8 million users by tricking them into believing their browsers are locked. This attack primarily uses phishing emails to lure victims to seemingly harmless web pages that activate the scareware under certain conditions. Security experts warn that this type of deception relies on psychological manipulation rather than traditional malware.
- ▪CypherLoc has targeted around 2.8 million people through phishing and psychological manipulation.
- ▪The attack tricks users into believing they have lost control of their browsers.
- ▪Phishing emails are the main entry point for this scam.
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Pro Security New 'scareware' attack hits 2.8 million victims, pretending to lock them out of your browser — here’s how you can stay safe News By Efosa Udinmwen published 25 May 2026 CypherLoc scam turns harmless web pages into panic machines When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. (Image credit: fizkes / Shutterstock) Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter CypherLoc tricks users into believing their browser is completely lockedFake support numbers lead victims straight into identity theft trapsPhishing emails remain the main entry point for the scamA massive wave of…
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