What Is a Hijacker Program?
A hijacker program takes control of your web browser and forces the browser to navigate to an undesired website. Most hijacker programs target Internet Explorer, but a few attack Netscape and Firefox.
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Function
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Basic hijacker programs can divert you to unwanted websites, change your home page and edit your browser bookmarks. Sophisticated hijacker programs can block access to your operating system's control panel and registry editor, as well as to your browser's Internet options menu.
Prevention
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Malware programmers often disguise hijackers as browser enhancements; scan add-ons with an antivirus program before installing them. Be wary of websites stating that you have to download a plug-in to view the site, particularly if you've never heard of it. Avoid websites that your security system flags as unsafe, and download the latest patches for your browser.
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Solution
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You can often remove simple hijacker programs by deleting your browser's cookies and temporary Internet files, along with the contents of your operating system's temp folder. If your system is afflicted with a hijacker program that re-installs itself every time you boot up, you'll need an antivirus program to remove it.
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