Microsoft has recently disabled SysKey with the Windows Fall Creators Update version 1709. That may not mean much to the normal computer user unless you have been scammed. Scammers that fail to hook a victim will run SysKey on a users computer. The SysKey creates a password for the user’s account. The password is not a typical password; it is a password used to encrypt the registry of the computer. Most scammers erase recovery methods before deploying this tool by wiping out system restore points. After the scammer is gone, the user ponders why there is a mysterious password box during startup of the computer.
The removal of this tool is a win for the Microsoft community. SysKey was too easy to deploy. Now scammers will have to abandon this scam on up to date Windows 10 machines. Remember the best way to avoid a scam is to never let anyone on your computer you don’t trust. If you ever feel pressured or upset, you should terminate any contact (phone and remote support) with the other party. Ask family, friends, or call Nick’s Computer Services for another opinion.