Is browser hijacker a virus? How to Remove Browser Hijacker Virus?

What is browser hijacker?

Browser hijacker is a malware program that downloads multiple extensions in the browser, which would redirect the user to advertisements or show fake security warnings which would force the user to install programs infected with malware.

It is a kind of malware similar to Adware as it does the same thing but the way it initiates is different.

Other than displaying pop-ups on the screen it can also record key logs which would collect data from user’s computer like user id and password, credit card details or any other confidential files and report them to malware authors.

Browser hijacker will also make changes to your web browser, and it would change the default homepage and search engine of the browser. Not to forget, resetting the web browser will not take you back to its original settings.

After making changes to the web browser, it will authorize the installation of adware on your system. Adware then becomes the primary source of income. Through adware, the cyber-criminals send fake advertisement pop-up’s. These ad pop-ups are designed attractively to trick the users into clicking them.

Is adware harmful, can it corrupt your system data?

No, adware will not cause any harm to your files or operating system. Although, it will certainly annoy you with frequent notifications and ad popups. 

Never forget that it is a malicious program and in order to remove it you can download best anti-adware tool, and the longer it stays on a computer, the more it weakens the firewall of the computer making way for another malware.

That’s not it Adware connects your PC to “Control and Command Centre” which is operated by the hackers and using an adware they can steal your confidential files, IP-address, your location, browser type, Operating System details, and etc.

Why do you end up on a third-party website?

This redirect to the target portal or third-party website is caused by the browser hijacker, this is one of its many symptoms.

If you look closely at the address bar you will find that your default search engine has changed, although it would look like the default search engine.

Targeted Web Browser:

1.      Google Chrome.

2.      Mozilla Firefox.

3.      Safari.

4.      Internet Explorer.

Also Read: Ransomware – News, Scan, Decrypt, Fix, Encrypt, prevent & Protection

Techniques used to distribute browser hijacker:

1.      Social Clickjacking: Creators of such infections use online media such as Social Network and tempting advertisements to provoke or let us say in fooling the users to click on the ads, i.e., Update your flash player or win an iPhone.

2.      Spam emails: These hijackers can get into your computer through malicious email attachments and download links present the body of the mail. This emails usually appear to be from a reputed organization, i.e., Banks and insurance companies.

3.      It can infect the computer through infected websites or malevolent websites.

4.      It can also trick you by fake security alert or system updates.

5.      Torrents & P2P File Sharing: Torrents and files shared on P2P networks have a high probability of being a carrier to such infections.

6.      It can also infect the computer through portable storage devices like USB stick, portable hard drive or through a disk.

7.      Bundling: The quickest and the most relaxed way of infecting a user’s PC with any malware is through freeware software’s, and in this case the user is equally responsible for authorizing the installation of such malicious program without reading the terms and conditions. Unfortunately, some freeware programs do not uncover that a malicious program will also be installed with it.

 Common symptoms of browser hijacker:

1. Unstable behaviour of the browser, frequent crashes.
2. Changes the Default Homepage and search engine to some random website.
3. Your web browsers are now equipped with all new add-ons toolbars and extensions.
4. Poor system performance, slow response time as the advertisement would pop out of nowhere, this will result in slow internet speed.
5. Slow internet browsing speed or internet would stop unexpectedly.
6. The operating system would crash now and then, or computer would boot up for no reason.
7. Ads pop up even when the browser is not open.
8. New tabs open in browser to display ads or search results would always end up with displaying advertisement banners.

Steps to be followed while installing a freeware program to avoid the installation of browser hijacker and adware

While installing a freeware software or a freeware game make sure you go through the license agreement section and read all the terms and conditions.

If reading the complete terms and condition is too much then while installing the freeware application if the installation offers you “custom and automatic installation”.

It is always recommended that you go with the custom process as this would disclose the other programs that might get installed along with it.

If you see any additional add-ons or toolbars checked, then remember to uncheck them this would avoid the installation of browser hijacker and adware.

Tips to Prevent virus and malware from Infecting Your System: