A guide to browser hijacking

by vishal tripathi Digital Markiting Expart

As the name infers, browser hijacking refers to crackers breaking into the setting of your browser and alternating them to redirect you to unwanted harmful websites. This can also cause bombarding of advertisements on the web pages or change in the default set browser homepage without your consent.

Browser hijacker can also be spying on your surfing activity and can even trace the password and other useful information for their benefit and use.

How hijacking can benefit the criminals?

The hackers using the hijacker software can get into your system, monitor your activities, and get you browsed through a page from where they can earn money. The crackers can very well use the hacked browser to download multiple malware in order to penetrate deep into the system security and vulnerabilities. It can take great advantage by cracking the access rights of the user.

How does browser hackers pave their way into the system?

These browser hijackers can get into the computer through a browser add-on. This extended software is supposed to help in saving records but in some cases, these extensions can be fatal and lead to several unwanted pop-ups. The ads and pop-up can lead to installing of software that can be capable of hijacking the entire system.

The easiest way to diagnose if someone has hacked into your browser is to see if your homepage has been changed to something else from the default or you are being redirected to some unwanted websites while searching something else.

How can you identify if the browser has been hacked?

This hack is easier to identify as compared to another malware intrusion. You just have to look for the following signs,

• Receiving unsigned pop-ups and advertisements more than ever

• The decrease in loading speed of the web pages and comparatively facing

disruption in interfacing

• The unnamed and uninstalled toolbars appearing on the browser

• Changes in the default homepage settings and searches getting directed to unhealthy websites.

Removal of browser hijacker software

The best way to remove the malevolent software is by uninstalling all the extensions and add-ons. Make sure to scan the system using internet protect software or pc protector software.

Prevention from browser hacking

• Thoroughly read the policies and end-user agreement before installing any software.

• Look for the authenticated and secured websites for downloading any software or application in the computer or mobiles

• Keep the browser updated and make sure all the security setting are checked right

• Use an anti-malware like Advance PC Protector to achieve all-round

security for the system as well as secure and optimized browsing experience

• Be watchful of where you click and the websites you visit

• Avoid surfing the website with suspicious contents and adware

• Keep an eye on what your children surf through and click on

It is a lot harder to do than just reading. Many of the attacks take place due to a person’s irresponsible behavior towards the websites and security settings. These hijacks can have devastating effects if not treated in the initial stages.