Browser Hijackers – Surfing the Wrong Waves

Browser hijacking is a type of malware which modifies Web browser settings without the user´s knowledge and consent. It usually alters home page settings, as well as introduces new shortcuts in the “favorites” section of your browser which lead to undesirable Web sites. The changes that the browser hijackers have made can be reversed by just restoring your browser´s original settings. However, there are times when this is not enough. There are instances where the Windows registry should be cleaned or modified as browser hijackers have the capability of storing program modules that change browser settings during the boot up stage.

A Mind of Its Own

So how could you know if your browser wants to go independent? Here are some of the symptoms which could help you determine if your Firefox or Internet Explorer is possessed:

• Your home page changes without any positive act from you to that effect, and you are unable to change your browser settings.


• Your search results leads to sites that are irrelevant and has dubious contents.


• You get unwanted toolbars and search bars installed in your Web browser without your knowledge and consent.


• Annoying pop ups appear frequently on the screen.


• Accessing Web sites takes more time than usual while the browser crashes become frequent.


• Inability to open regedit as Windows denies you the privilege to access it

Arresting the Hijckers

All is not lost when a browser hijacker infiltrates your system. There are ways by which their entry can be prevented or their presence eliminated. Here are some of the ways by which you could rid yourself of the problem:

• Try checking your home page and favorites settings to assess the severity of the damage. To revert back to your previously set homepage, click on Tools • Internet Options on Internet Explorer and type the URL of your desired home page. Restart the computer and see if the settings that you´ve made have not been changed.


• Install an antivirus and run a full system scan. Remove all infected files. Make sure that the virus definition list of the program is updated.


• Anti hijack tools should also be used to detect unwanted changes in the Windows registry, as well as in the start up entries. It should also be able to prevent the entry of browser hijackers and other applications which could wreak havoc on your browser.

The Best Cure

Don´t wait for your browser to be attacked by unwanted programs. The best defense or remedy against browser hijacking is prevention. Save yourself from having to undergo numerous steps in order to rid your system of malicious software. Here are a few tips that could save you from browser attacks:

• Keep Windows updated with recently released patches
  
  This acts as your first line of defense against all security threats that exploit the vulnerabilities of the operating system. Keep your system updated on a regular basis with service packs and patches in order to reduce the risk malware attack, such as browser hijacking.


• Use antivirus and anti spyware programs regularly
  
  Many browser hijackers can easily be identified and removed by good anti spyware and antivirus programs. For optimum protection, always use them in “auto protect” mode so that it would continuously scan all the files that enter and leave your system.


• Increase the security level or settings of your browser
  
  Internet Explorer has ceratin security features which could help you stem any potential malware attack. You can modify your security settings by clicking Tools • Internet Options • Security. To prevent ActiveX from running automatically, set the security level at or near its highest level. It is always advisable to put URLs of the Web sites that you visit often in to the trusted Web site section in order to avoid any problem or interruption whenever you´re accessing it.

The Best Things in Life are Sometimes Not Free

The best preventive measure that you could employ against malware is by being cautious whenever browsing through Web sites. Do not trust software or online services that come for free. The saying that “the best things in life are free” doesn´t always apply in cyberspace.

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