How to Prevent Browser Hijacking
Microsoft's online safety website describes browser hijacker objects as malicious software that can take "control of your computer's Internet browser and change how and what it displays when you're surfing the Web." Browser hijacking ranges from mildly annoying to dangerous to your computer. There are steps you can take to prevent such software from infecting your system.
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Instructions
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Precautions
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Update your Windows computer to prevent browser hijacking. Visits the Windows Update page on Microsoft.com. Choose "Express" updates to search for any available updates.
Alternatively, you can instruct your Windows XP--or later version--system to automatically download updates. To do this, click "Start," and select "Control Panel." Double-click "System." Click the "Automatic Updates" tab and select your preferred option. If you choose "Automatic," you can choose how often Windows will search for updates.
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Use a firewall such as the one Windows XP and later versions includes. To enable Windows Firewall, click "Start" and select "Control Panel." Select "Windows Firewall," and check the radio dial next to "On."
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Use an anti-virus program. You can purchase programs, such as Norton Anti-Virus or McAfee's anti-virus suite, online or in stores. You can download free programs like AVG and Avast!
After downloading a program or inserting an installation disc, double-click the setup file to begin installation. Follow any prompts to install the program, and customize it to your preferences.
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Use an anti-malware program such as Ad-Aware Free or SpyBot: Search and Destroy. You can download either program for free online. Your computer will save the install file after you click the download link. Double-click the install file to begin installation. Follow any prompts.
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Update your browser when possible. Most browsers will alert you when updates become available. Follow the prompts the browser gives to properly update your software.
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Consider switching browsers. If you mainly use Internet Explorer and frequently struggle with browser hijacking, you can install either Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox for free.
"A majority of these programs are coded specifically for IE; switching browsers will render them harmless," according to PCStats.
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