How to Outsmart Sneaky Malware: Don’t Let Amadey Hijack Your Google Account

Online threats keep evolving, and hackers are getting craftier by the day. You probably already know the basics of staying safe online—watching out for phishing emails, avoiding shady downloads, and not clicking suspicious links. But a new kind of malware aims to frustrate you into giving up your Google login details, taking phishing to a whole new level of deception.

This malware is part of a growing threat called “Amadey,” which has been spreading since August. Here’s how it works and, more importantly, how you can stay safe.

What’s Different About This Malware?

The Amadey malware pulls a clever trick by putting your PC into something called “kiosk mode.” Kiosk mode, commonly used on public computers, limits access to a single window—usually in full-screen mode without navigation controls like the address bar or menu. This malicious setup locks your browser in full-screen and redirects you to a fake Google password reset page, making it seem like you need to enter your credentials to regain control.

Normally, hitting Escape (Esc) or F11 would exit full-screen mode, but in this case, those keys won’t work if your device is infected. The malware hopes to frustrate you into entering your password, which then gets stolen by a secondary piece of malware running in the background.

How to Escape the Trap Without Giving Up Your Login

Getting tricked into a fake password page is easier than you think, but there are ways to escape:

  • Switch tasks: Use ALT + TAB to change tasks.
  • Force close: Try ALT + F4 to close the browser.
  • Use Task Manager: Press CTRL + ALT + DELETE and end the process from Task Manager.
  • Restart if needed: If nothing else works, hold down the power button or unplug your device.

Once you regain control, it’s wise to have a professional check your device to ensure it’s malware-free.

Prevention: Your First Line of Defense

Being proactive is key to avoiding malware like Amadey. If your device starts acting up or your browser suddenly switches to full screen without warning, be cautious. Don’t enter your credentials unless you’re certain the website is secure.

  • Be cautious with links: Avoid suspicious links and unexpected downloads.
  • Double-check password pages: Always verify that any login page is genuine before entering your password.

It’s clear that investing in cybersecurity is essential for protecting your business. As we highlighted in our previous blog, Growing Trend: Businesses Proactively Investing in Cyber Security Defenses, many companies are taking a proactive approach to safeguard their systems.

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Schedule a conversation with our CEO to discuss how we can help your team stay secure and prepared for evolving online threats.