Are you and your team taking online security seriously? You’ve probably heard of phishing scams and know to avoid suspicious downloads or links. But there’s a new type of malware that’s even sneakier—its goal is to trick you into handing over your Google login.

This malware is part of a broader threat called “Amadey,” which has been ramping up since August. It operates by hijacking your computer’s “kiosk mode”—a setting typically used on public devices to limit access to a single window. Once this malware takes control, it forces your browser into full-screen mode, hiding familiar navigation features like the address bar and menus. Then, it directs you to a fake Google password reset page that looks legitimate.

You might think, “I’ll just hit Esc or F11 to exit full-screen mode.” But that won’t work if this malware has infected your computer. Instead, it’s designed to make you feel stuck, pressuring you to enter your Google password as the “solution.” Once you do, a second hidden malware steals your login information and passes it on to cybercriminals.

It’s unnerving, but there’s no need to panic—you have ways to regain control. If your browser is stuck in full-screen mode, try pressing ALT+TAB to switch between open tasks or ALT+F4 to close the window. You can also access Task Manager with CTRL+ALT+DELETE and close the affected application. If none of these work, a quick restart (holding down the power button if necessary) can help. After that, reach out to an expert (like our team) to safely remove the malware.

As always, prevention is the best defense. Be on the lookout for unusual behavior on your computer, especially if your browser suddenly enters full-screen mode without your input. Avoid suspicious links and think twice before downloading attachments from unknown sources. Above all, remember: if a site asks for your password unexpectedly, take a moment to verify the website’s authenticity.

If you’d like your team to be more confident about avoiding scams like these, contact us to learn more about our training programs. We’re here to help keep you safe.

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