What Is a PC Hijacker?
In the 1980s, the Internet was not a household word. Moreover, it was not until the 1990s in Great Brittan that the World Wide Web launched. When the Internet met the World Wide Web, for the first time cybercrime went international. By the 21st century, sophisticated cyberterrorists were delivering viruses, spyware, Trojans, bots, rootkits and fake security software through covert downloading directly from websites. Today these cyberterrorists are known as PC (personal computer) hijackers.
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Types of PC Hijackers
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The most commonly known types of PC hijackers are browser hijackers. This type of hijacker drops malicious malware (infected software) and takes control of the Internet browser. However, hijackers also use email, instant messaging, and social, and networking website applications as legitimate sources of malware downloads. The use of legitimate websites is by far the most common method of hijacking, since the average computer user approves a firewall request without much thought when visiting respected and trusted websites.
Effects of PC Hijacking
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When PC hijacking occurs, the PC user usually sees it as a normal part of the website they are on. Although the computer firewall notifies of a potential hijacking, most users approve the Firewall Alert without reviewing the alert, because they are on a legitimate website. The most common hijacking attack on a PC affects the Internet browser, PC registry and local email client. Once a PC hijacker has control of these three areas of the computer, they can manipulate and steal any information desired.
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Hijacking Exploit Kits
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Exploit kits are the brains the PC hijacker uses to make the downloaded malware work like any other downloaded piece of software. Underground hacking websites sell malware kits, as they are commonly called, without any type of background check. Identity thieves and other cybercriminals purchase these exploit kits and deploy them across the Internet. The brain of the exploit kits redirects traffic to malicious servers and lures the victims through vulnerabilities found in common software programs already installed on the user's PC.
PC Hijacking Prevention
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PC users have the ability to prevent the majority of PC hijacking by taking a few proactive measures. First, all common software programs should have current security updates installed. Second, the PC user should be using a dual-sided firewall, which filters both packet (incoming server messages) and application (outgoing software messages) traffic. Third, all security software (such as virus scans) should be active with current definitions installed. These three preventative actions should stop the majority of PC hijackers from attacking the local computer.
Hijacking Misconceptions
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The average PC users might believe they do not have anything a PC hijacker would want or need, and do not give high priority to proactive computer protection measures. But this is a misconception, according to a University of Michigan study. Unlike the early years of computer hacking, today's cybercriminals do not want to destroy the computer; they want to own the information on it. The goal of the PC hijacker is to find sensitive information they can sell to the highest bidder.
Expert Insight
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PC users should allow the operating system manufacturer to automatically install all updates to the operating system and browser. Users can manually install updates on a daily basis for all other software on the computer. If the computer is off, the next time the computer is on and connected to the Internet, update current security definitions and updates to prevent unauthorized penetration into the computer.
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- Photo Credit Troy Dooly's Collection,
