What is StartPageing123.com virus?
StartPageing123.com virus is a browser hijacker. If your browsers are infected with this hijacker it will reset all the default settings of your web browser, i.e., set the default homepage and search engine to StartPageing123.com- infecting the web browser with adware. Once it has successfully evaded your systems firewall via browser hijacker and adware 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 StartPageing123.com virus 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: How To Remove Directweblinks.com Browser Redirect Virus
How does StartPageing123.com virus infect a computer?
- Browser hijacking which was done via StartPageing123.com virus is a result of freeware program or freeware game that you might have downloaded of off the internet.
- 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.
- 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tools which can scan the network for target computers running an older version of windows or for computers running outdated antivirus and antimalware programs.
- It can infect the computer through infected websites or malevolent websites.
- It can also infect the computer through portable storage devices like USB stick, portable hard drive or through a disk.
- Adware usually infects a PC via third-party websites, while you want to view or download a free content or want to try out a free program, in this case, these free things could come bundled with such malicious programs.
- 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 StartPageing123.com virus include
- Unstable behavior of the browser, frequent crashes.
- Default home page of the browser is changed.
- Your web browsers are now equipped with all new add-ons toolbars and extensions.
- 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.
- Poor system performance, slow response time as the advertisement would pop out of nowhere on the screen even when the browser is disabled.
- Slow internet browsing speed or internet would stop unexpectedly.
- The operating system would crash now and then, or computer would boot up for no reason.
- An adware gradually weakens the security of the computer authorizing the installation of other malware programs.
- New icons are added or suspicious programs appear on the desktop screen out of nowhere.
- Certain system setting and browser settings are disabled or changed.
- Ads pop up even when the browser is not open.
- 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.
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 StartPageing123.com from Infecting Your System:
- Enable your popup blocker: Pop-ups and ads in the websites are the most adoptable tactic used by cybercriminals or developers with the core intention to spread malicious programs. So, avoid clicking uncertain sites, software offers, pop-ups etc.
- Keep your Windows Updated: To avoid such infections, we recommend that you should always keep your system updated through automatic windows update. By doing this you can keep your device free from virus. According to the survey, outdated/older versions of Windows operating system are an easy target.
- Third-party installation: Try to avoid freeware download websites as they usually install bundled of software with any installer or stub file.
- Regular Backup: Regular and periodical backup helps you to keep your data safe in case the system is infected by any kind of virus or any other infection. Thus always backup important files regularly on a cloud drive or an external hard drive.
- Always have an Anti-Virus: Precaution is better than cure. We recommend that you install an antivirus like McAfee or a good Malware Removal Tool like Free Malware RemovalTool
- Install a powerful ad- blocker for Chrome, Mozilla, and IE.
