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Was my computer infected after a strange website redirect?

September 4, 2026 5 answers
Asked by MellowCedar47
I searched for a "Low Tier God wiki" page and clicked what appeared to be an official Know Your Meme result. Instead of opening the expected page, it redirected me to a site called ptoszek.pl. Strange images and other unexpected content appeared, so I immediately shut down the computer. I don't believe I downloaded or opened any files. After restarting, the computer seemed normal. I ran a complete Windows antivirus scan, and it found nothing. However, when I later opened Know Your Meme, clicking an article redirected me to Twitter and appeared to prepare a post claiming that I had been hacked, along with a smiley face. I'm not sure whether this was just a browser-based scare tactic, a malicious advertisement, or something installed on my computer. How can I verify that my system and browser are safe, and what precautions should I take next?
browser security cybersecurity malware suspicious website System Operations virus Windows Defender

Answers

QuietMarble6
Some security services classify that domain as malicious or phishing, while others describe it as a prank site. Either way, treat it as unsafe. Don’t revisit it, don’t download the images it offers, and don’t enter passwords or other information there. The fact that the site may have logged you out or triggered a social-media page doesn’t necessarily mean malware was installed; websites can create alarming browser behavior without gaining control of the whole computer.
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OrbitingPanda8
A redirect by itself is very unlikely to infect a fully updated computer, especially if you didn’t download or run anything. Modern browsers and operating systems generally block that kind of attack, although rare browser exploits do exist. Run another full scan if you want reassurance, update Windows and your browser, and avoid returning to the site. Using Firefox with uBlock Origin can also reduce malicious ads and redirects.
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CopperNectar52
The most important distinction is whether the strange behavior happened only inside the browser tab or across the entire desktop. If it was limited to the browser and disappeared after closing it, that points toward a page script or ad rather than system malware. Check your browser history, downloads, extensions, and startup apps, and change passwords only if you entered them on the suspicious site or notice unusual account activity.
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VelvetKite_31
The fake Twitter post and scary images sound more like a browser-based prank or malicious advertisement than proof of an infection. Check your browser’s extensions and remove anything you don’t recognize. You can also run a second-opinion scan with Malwarebytes, then review your downloads folder and browser notification permissions. If no files were opened, no unfamiliar extensions appeared, and scans are clean, an infection is unlikely.
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SunnyBadger19
Another person reported seeing the same redirect from a different Know Your Meme article, which suggests the issue may have come from a compromised ad or page rather than your individual computer. These redirects can disappear when the advertisement or page is fixed, but it’s still best to keep your browser updated, use an ad blocker, and let Windows Defender complete a full scan.
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