How To Remove SettingsModifier:Win32/PossibleHostsFileHijack Adware

What is SettingsModifier:Win32/PossibleHostsFileHijack?

SettingsModifier:Win32/PossibleHostsFileHijack is a browser hijacker. You’re your browsers are infected with this hijacker it would change all the default settings of your web browser and then infect it with adware. Once it has successfully infected your computer with browser hijacker and aware then starts the real trouble. Now, your browser will start acting crazy.  Every time you go online you would end up being redirected to a third-party website or you would see advertisement banners on your screen either it would be of some kind of discount, coupons or some bogus security alerts.

That’s not it once your computer is infected with SettingsModifier:Win32/PossibleHostsFileHijack its developers are known to gather personal information like your IP-address, your location, browser type, Operating System details from your PC.

When your computer is infected with an adware, all your web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, and MS Edge may redirect you to fake security warnings or to sponsored advertisement banners. Although, an adware might not damage any files or Windows system, it will certainly annoy you with the frequent notification and ad banner. As it is a malicious program and the longer it stays on a computer, the more it weakens the firewall of the computer making way for another malware.

Also Read : https://www.howtoremoveit.info/cryptolocker-virus-fix-and-decrypt-it/

How does SettingsModifier:Win32/PossibleHostsFileHijack adware infect a computer?

1. This adware is a result of browser hijacking which was done via SettingsModifier:Win32/PossibleHostsFileHijack.
2. When a computer is influenced by a browser hijacker it would make way for all the other malware and one of the common malware is adware.
3. The malware authors have developed advanced tools which can scan the network for target computers running an older version of windows or for computers running outdated antivirus and antimalware programs.
4. It can infect the computer through infected websites or malevolent websites.
5. It can also infect the computer through portable storage devices like USB stick, portable hard drive or through a disk.
6. Adware can also infect the computer via third-party websites, while you want to view or download a free content or want to try a free program, in this case, these free things could come bundled with such malicious programs.
7. In such case, a small button or a checkbox that may show the presence of the additional adware. In spite of that small button, many individuals don't see the button as they tap onto the Next to install the required program.

Common symptoms of SettingsModifier:Win32/PossibleHostsFileHijack adware include

1. Unstable behavior of the browser, frequent crashes.
2. Default home page of the browser is changed.
3. Your web browsers are now equipped with all new add-ons toolbars and extensions.
4. Every time you go online searching your something you get redirected to the target portal or to fake security warning which would want you to download a program to fix your computer.
5. Poor system performance, slow response time as the advertisement would pop out of nowhere on the screen even when the browser is disabled.
6. Slow internet browsing speed or internet would stop unexpectedly.
7. The operating system would crash now and then, or computer would boot up for no reason.
8. An adware gradually weakens the security of the computer authorizing the installation of other malware programs.
9. New icons are added or suspicious programs appear on the desktop screen out of nowhere.
10. Certain system setting and browser settings are disabled or changed.
11. Ads pop up even when the browser is not open.
12. 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. And 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 addons or toolbars checked, then remember to uncheck them this would avoid the installation of browser hijacker or the adware.

Also Read : https://www.howtoremoveit.info/remove-runbooster-adware-virus/

Now, follow the steps below to create a robust firewall for your PC which would also help your computer to get back to its original state throwing out all the infection.

Tips to Prevent SettingsModifier:Win32/PossibleHostsFileHijack adware from Infecting Your System: