What Is a Hijack on Computers?

Some browser hijackers are capable of stealing your financial information.

Computer hijacking, generally called browser hijacking, refers to a type of online fraud. Hackers use malicious programs, called browser hijackers, to take control of your web browser. Once a hacker has taken control of your web browser, the hacker can cause significant damage.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of a browser hijacker is that it redirects all of your Internet searches to random, often malicious or commercial, websites. In addition, browser hijackers might change your Internet homepage, lowers Internet security levels, launches pop-up advertisements, tracks browsing habits and collects other personal information, adds toolbars to your web browser and slows your computer.

Examples

There are several different browser hijackers, including SafeSearch, CoolWebSearch, IBIS WebSearch, Tazinga Redirect, FindGala, Gomeo, Goinonearth, Windows Vista Recovery, Qooqlle, Epoclick, Zwangi and Roxifind. Often, browser hijackers are installed alongside rogue anti-virus programs, such as Clean Security, Unlimited Defender and Ultimate Scan.

Removal

Most browser hijackers can be removed by running an up to date anti-malware program. Free anti-malware programs available online include Microsoft Security Essentials, Avast! Free Anti-virus and Malwarebytes. In order to download a free anti-malware program, you will need to temporarily disable the browser hijacker so that you can navigate to the anti-malware website. To do this, restart your computer and press "F8" repeatedly until the Windows "Advanced Boot Options" menu appears. Select "Safe Mode with Networking" from the Windows "Advanced Boot Options" menu and press "Enter." The Windows operating system loads in Safe Mode with Networking. This temporarily disables the browser hijacker while allowing you to access the Internet.

Prevention

To prevent browser hijackers, turn on the "real-time protection" feature in your anti-malware program, turn on the Windows firewall and keep the Windows operating system up to date. In addition, use common sense. Many browser hijackers request your permission before installing themselves. Do not grant permission to any programs that you do not trust. In addition, avoid clicking on unsolicited pop-up advertisements and opening e-mail attachments from e-mail addresses that you do not recognize.

References

• Microsoft: What is Browser Hijacking?
• 2-Spyware: Browser Hijackers
• PC Stats: Browser Hijacking and How to Stop It