CYBER SECURITY

What is Browser Hijacking?

October 25, 2020
VINAY CHANDEL
Browser hijacking is a kind of unwanted program that changes a browser’s settings without a user’s approval, to inject unwanted promotion into the user’s browser. A browser hijacker may substitute the actual home page, 404 pages, or search page with its own.

What are Browser Hijackers?

In computing, a browser hijacking refers to the malicious intrusions made by a hijacker for personal gains. In order to accomplish this, the hijacker uses a malicious software which is placed on the internet browser that alters the activity of the browser. In all the cases, the user is typically unaware of what is happening in the background. The sole purpose to carry out such hijacking attacks is to benefit from higher advertising revenue.
In a few cases, it is noticed that the companies themselves add small programs to browsers informing the users and these are not considered fraudulent activities. Therefore, a hijacking software is created by software manufacturer or a hardware manufacturer or by the hackers.

How to Recognize a Browser Hijacker?

Signs a browser is hijacked include:
  • Searches that are redirected to different websites
  • Multiple pop-up advertisement alerts
  • Slow-loading web pages
  • Multiple toolbars on a web browser not installed by the user
Examples of browser hijackers include:
  • Ask Toolbar
  • GoSave
  • Coupon Server
  • CoolWebSearch
  • RocketTab

How to Get Rid of a Browser Hijacker?

Some antivirus software alerts users to the presence of adware and spyware, but some new malware could go undetected, or the security software might be unable to root out the intruder. In these cases, users have to reinstall their browsers to regain control of the interface.
In extreme instances, the hijacking program reinstalls itself in the browser, and users may have to erase the contents of their computer, install a fresh operating system and the most current browser version, and restore their personal files from a backup.

How to Protect Your Systems from Browser Hijacking?

Protecting against browser hijacking is challenging. Frequent cleaning of directories with browser cookies and histories helps. It’s also critical to install and maintain quality antivirus software to stop malware from installing itself onto browsers. The security software should alert users to unauthorized installation attempts and ask how to proceed. This reduces the risk of infection.
Also, try to avoid running freeware programs, which upon installation may unpack software you’re unaware of. And be sure you check the download settings of any software you intend to install to reduce the chances of unwanted applications making their way onto your computer.
No matter which approach users take to protect themselves, the best defense starts with frequent operating system and browser updates and wise due diligence when visiting websites.
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