Browser hijacking happens when a user’s web browser is modified by an unwanted malicious software without their permission. It is also known as browser redirect virus as it redirects the user from one browser to another that usually contains malware. It may place unwanted advertizements into the browser or replace existing home page with hijacker’s page. The hijacking software might also contain spyware to obtain user’s confidential information.

Common Examples Of Browser Hijacking

• Babylon Toolbar
• Conduit
• Ask Toolbar
• CoolWebSearch
• Coupon Servers
• GoSave
• Onewebsearch
• RocketTab
• Search-daily.com
• do
• Taplika
• TV Wizard
• Vosteran
• Trovi

How Does Brower Hijacking Work?

Usually an application is installed on a user’s system that seems to be legitimate however, is not. The user is then fooled into agreeing for an additional download and when they install that application it further leads to browser hijacking. The information about browser hijacker software is presented in a way that confuses the user and they often end up installing it even though they are given an option to decline the download.

Browser Hijacking is usually done by spreading malware through email attachments containing malicious links, downloading infected files or visiting websites containing malware. It may also result from third party software, scripts and plug-ins, etc.

How Do You Know Your Browser Has Been Hijacked?

• When your searches are redirected to different websites.
• Web page loading is quite slow.
• There are multiple pop-up advertizement alerts.
• Numerous toolbars on the web browser which have not been installed by the user.
• Inability to access necessary data.
• Very less browser security.
• Sites being blocked.
• Web queries that fail to proceed through search engines.

How To Remove Browser Hijacking?

• Check out the authenticity of browser add-ons, plug-ins, extensions etc.
• Remove anything that seems suspicious or unnecessary from the system’s browser.
• Reset the browser settings to original default.
• Clear off the system’s Domain Name System (DNS) cache.
• Use browser hijacker removal tools

How To Prevent Browser Hijacking?

Following are some ways to prevent browser hijacking in the first place:

• Regularly update operating system (OS) as well as browser patches.
• Make sure that the browser software is updated with latest security features and are devoid of any vulnerabilities.
• Avoid clicking on emails & links sent by an untrusted source.
• Read all terms & conditions as well as end user licensing agreements before downloading any software.
• Install a good anti-virus software.

For more information about browser hijacking, contact Centex Technologies at (972) 375 - 9654. We are a leading technology consulting firm, which also provide IT support, Search Engine Optimization, Website Designing & Development services to their clients across the globe.