Browser hijackers are a type of malware that takes control of a victim’s browser settings, changing the homepage and forcing them to visit specific websites. They can also pose a threat to personal data by directing users to fake pages. Prevention is key, but if infected, disconnect from the internet and use removal software.
A browser hijacker is a form of malware that takes control of the victim’s Internet browser settings. It may change the homepage settings to a different webpage than the one victim had set in the browser options panel. A browser hijacker might also force the victim to visit a specific website, display an error message, or download additional malware and spyware onto the victim’s computer.
While some software with the ability to take control of browser settings is completely harmless and alerts you to its presence, such as the option to make a specific search site your home page when installing an instant messenger, the Browser hijacker software is considered a threat because it usually takes over the victim’s browser without announcing itself. The victim may find that their computer has been compromised when they try to visit an online website and are suddenly flooded with advertisements or other nuisances. In some cases, a search engine hijacker is also included, which automatically sets all search terms to the hijacker’s search engine.
A browser hijacker poses an additional threat to the security of the victim’s personal data. After a browser hijacker gains control of the browser, it can direct the victim to fake pages that deceive or intimidate the computer user into providing personal information, passwords and logins. A common example of this type of browser hijacker occurs when hijacking malware intercepts a user’s path while visiting a website and immediately displays an alert window that delivers a message such as “Warning: Your computer may be infected. Fix it now?” While these alerts may seem genuine and can be a bit unnerving, they should be recognized as an indicator of the presence of a browser hijacker or other malware on a user’s system.
The best cure for a browser hijacker infection is prevention. Users should always read the terms of service provided with any downloaded software. System resources and processes must be monitored for anomalous activity. Software should only be downloaded from trusted sources.
If it’s too late to avoid getting infected with browser-hijacking malware or spyware, you should temporarily disconnect your computer from the Internet. This will prevent the hijacker from gaining further access to sensitive files before the issue is fixed. In such cases, using a browser hijacker removal software to eliminate the malware and spyware from the machine is highly recommended.
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