Browser hijacking occurs when malware modifies Internet Explorer without consent, often redirecting to adult sites or unwanted pages. Malicious code can change the system’s “hosts” file and take advantage of ActiveX scripts. Freeware programs like SpywareBlaster can prevent hijacking, and using a more secure browser like Firefox® can help. Keeping spyware up to date is crucial, and using at least two spyware scanners regularly is recommended.
Browser hijacking occurs when malware (malicious software) installs automatically when you browse the Internet. The malware code modifies the behavior of Internet Explorer, usually adding several bookmarks to “Favorites” and changing the home page without the user’s consent. Browser hijacking often involves connecting Explorer to adult websites and bombarding the user with adult pop-up ads.
Less often a browser hijack may not involve adult content but will repeat redirects to a site you didn’t click on and have no interest in. It may suddenly feel like your browser has a mind of its own. You intend to go to your main site, but your browser keeps switching to another. The malware is redirecting your clicks to the target site.
When affected by this behavior, a user will often attempt to return to the home page only to find that the fix doesn’t stick. The malicious code can make changes to the system’s “hosts” file that maps domain addresses to corresponding Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. When you type “wisegeek.com”, for example, the malware may have changed the corresponding IP from wisegeek’s address to another IP.
Many malware programs take advantage of ActiveX scripts, which Explorer processes directly from web pages. A popup might ask permission to install software with a vague or misleading message. The visitor may agree, believing that the program is necessary to view the site correctly. Instead he or she just gave permission for a browser hijack without realizing it.
Most spyware programs look for malware and many programs will remove it. Changes to Explorer can prevent browser hijacking and can be done automatically by freeware programs like SpywareBlaster. Other popular freeware programs include Ad-AwareSE, Spyware Terminator, ThreatFire and Spyware Guard. You may also consider using a more secure browser like Firefox®, which doesn’t run ActiveX.
To avoid browser hijacking and malware attacks it is important to keep spyware up to date. Unlike typical software programs that only require occasional updates, effective spyware depends on constantly updated databases, such as antivirus programs. Many popular firewalls incorporate spyware scanners. It’s a good idea to use at least two spyware scanners on a regular basis. One program can catch what the other might miss.
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