A Quick Fix for Overcoming Browser Hijacking

Written by Allen Jame

Having a hijacked browser is no more than a severe headache.

Do you know what browser hijacking is?

If you don’t know about it then this article is what you need to read and follow. You will get some impressive knowledge about browser hijacking in this article.

Some of the main points to be covered in this article are:

• What is browser hijacking?
• How is it done?
• Issues that occur due to browser hijacking
• Preventing browser hijacking

What is Browser Hijacking?

It occurs when a malicious hacker creates any software program, and then this program redirects your browser to a page that will benefit that hacker by any means. This benefit can be in the form of an increase in traffic on the hacker’s site too.

How is it done?

You might be thinking how this malicious software gets into your device? Well there, are several ways of doing this. Some common ways include:

• By email
• By any malicious link.
• Sometimes it comes bundled with any other software that is already installed on your device.
• Peer-to-Peer file sharing.
• Data sharing using infected devices.
• Clicking on ads while playing games online.
• Updating software by redirecting links.

Issues that occur due to Browser Hijacking:

In case your browser gets hijacked, you will face the following issues:

• Web pages are loading quite slowly.
• Multiple pop-up alerts for advertisement.
• The toolbar in the browser that you did not install.
• The home page of browser changed without your permission
• Search redirecting to some other websites
• In such cases, you will see alert messages saying that your computer is hacked.

How to prevent Browser Hijacking?

To make your system secure and enjoy browsing online without any malware, you need to get rid of this issue.

Some of the ways by which you can avoid or overcome this issue are:

1) Resetting Browser:

Well, many hijacking software does not leave the system quite quickly. Even after uninstalling this hijacking software, some settings might be difficult to revoke. So you will need to set your browser setting to default in such cases. This will bring it back to its normal state.

Follow the steps below to reset your chrome browser settings to default.

A) Open chrome browser.

B) Go to setting menu.

C) Click reset setting.

D) A box will appear.

E) Reset the settings from there.

2) Update OS and Browser:

You should know how to update your browser. This is quite important because most often in new release many security features are added and if you don’t update your browser to the latest one then you will surely be missing those updates. Well, updating the browser solves the issue most of the time. To know more about updating browsers read here.

You also need to keep your OS updated.

3) Alternate DNS resolution provider:

There are many benefits of using an alternative DNS. You can point your computer or your router’s DNS resolver to another non-ISP provided server to solve this issue. This will prevent that malicious software from redirecting you to its intended destination.

4) Real-time protection feature in anti-virus:

Many anti-viruses offer a real-time protection feature. This feature checks any attempt to changing the configuration files. These configuration files are associated with your browser.

In this way, the anti-virus will alert you if any software that you are installing attempts to changes your browser’s settings. Also, make sure that the anti-malware definition on your device is up to date.

5) Read the fine print of the software :

As explained earlier, the browser hijacking software might get into your device when you are installing some other software. So to prevent this issue, do read the fine print of the software that you are going to install on your device thoroughly. In some case, you can opt out the unwanted files too during the installation process.

6) Checking the browser shortcut:

It is essential to check your browser’s shortcut icon too. Take Chrome browser as an example. Suppose you are using chrome browser and you have its shortcut icon on the desktop of your computer.

A) Then right-click on that icon and select properties.

B) Check the target section in the window open.

C) Search for any malicious program and then delete it.

7) Remove unwanted extensions:

Remove all unwanted extensions form your browser and try to install only trusted extensions.

8) Downloading and installing software:

Do not download and install internet download software from unwanted or less trusted websites. Also, avoid using cracked software. When installing any software, do the installation carefully and do not follow the next-> next-> finish blindly.

9) New BIOS:

If still the issue doesn’t resolve then in the worst case you will need a new drive or a BIOS. You can recognize them in the form of annoying web pages which keep redirect you to other pages.

Final Words:

Browser hijacking brings down your browser’s performance. It overrides the registry entries. This threat disturbs your browsing experience completely. It can collect your browsing data and then use that data for advertising purposes. It can spy you online too.

So you need not keep this infection in your browser for a long time and remove it quickly any using anti-malware program.

Author Bio:

Allen Jame is a blogger and a web developer. Allen loves reading and writing blogs