The latest Google Chrome malware is reportedly blocking users from their systems and restricting access to various applications. The malware is dubbed “StealC” and the malware utilizes a novel technique that is known as “AutoIt Credential Flusher” that requires users to input their Google credentials in order to open various applications.
The technique was discovered by scientists at OALABS The technique has been utilized on the open since 22 by the traditional malware loaders as well as information stealing programs such as Amadey.
What is the method by which malware locks Google Chrome users in a fully-screen view?
Based on the study, StealC uses Chrome’s Kiosk Mode feature that locks the device in a full-screen Chrome browser and deactivates commonly used F11 as well as Esc keys. If you’re not aware, Kiosk Mode is Chrome function that is often found on the public terminals, kiosks and demo machines for limiting users’ interactions.
When this is turned on in this mode, Google Chrome’s Google Chrome browser interface eliminates elements of the browser, such as toolsbars, navigation buttons and address bars. This mode is used by malware to present users with a web page which requires users to input the Google account details if they would like to perform any action within their computer.
If you input your username and password it is obtained by StealC information thief was discovered in February of last year.StealC malware turns users off to the full-screen fake Google account login page, with elements such as taskbars and navigation buttons that are missing. (Image Source: OALABS)
How do I get rid of Google Chrome’s Kiosk mode?
If you’ve been affected by the virus and you are locked within Chrome’s Kiosk mode initial factor to be aware of is that Esc or F11 shortcuts won’t aid in restoring you to the windowed mode. But, there are different keyboard shortcuts, such as “Alt+F4”, “Ctrl + Shift + Esc”, “Ctrl + Alt + Delete” as well as “Alt+Tab”. For a brief overview, Alt+F4 will close the application currently running, which in this case is Google Chrome in this case and Alt+Tab will allow you to change into a different application.
If you are experiencing issues with you are experiencing the Kiosk mode appears again Try pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del again to open The Windows Task Manager. If it shows up, go towards the Processes tab, locate and then right click Google Chrome and click”End task” or the “End task” button. Alternately, you could utilize your Win+R shortcut to launch the Run application. Enter “cmd” and hit Enter. In the pop-up window you can type “taskkill ?IM chrome.exe /F” and then press Enter for a second time to launch the command. It should end Chrome, and allow you to get back on the desktop.
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If everything does not work, perform a reset on the hard side by pressing and holding down the power button then restarting the computer. After you have returned be sure to conduct an antivirus scan with Windows Defender or any third -party security program.