How Did I Land Here? 8 Tips to Thwart Internet Hijacking

by Albert Bustos

You’re ready to surf the web. You select your favorite browser and click. 

What is a normally routine start to your Internet search prompts something bizarre on your computer. This isn’t your designated home page? What happened?

It’s called Browser Hijack. And yes, it’s as threatening as it sounds. A browser hijacker (sometimes called hijackware) is a type of malware program that alters your computer's browser settings redirecting you to malicious Web sites. These links are often search pages that track and capture personal data. Affected computers redirect Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer to a webpage unfamiliar to the user.

How do I know I’m Affected?

There are many symptoms of being hijacked.  Here are some common examples:

·    Your default homepage has changed. 

·    Random toolbars suddenly appear on your web browser.

·    Excessive popup windows, unable to stop or close.

·    Every time you search, you land on the same unusual page

·    It takes multiple attempts of unrelated search results, before getting the page you want

Types of Browser Hijackers

Conduit Program

Conduit toolbars are typically bundled with other free downloads and are identified as Potentially Unwanted Programs by Malwarebytes.

The toolbars modify the browser default search engine, homepage and several other browser settings. Victims of unwanted redirections report receiving numerous spam emails containing Trojan horses. They’ve also receive unsolicited calls from individuals claiming to be popular businesses or the ISP.

Onewebsearch.com

Similar to the Conduit Program, Onewebsearch, referred to as the onewebsearch virus or onewebsearch.com virus, is malware. The industry generally refers to it as a “PUP,” or potentially unwanted program.  Although technically not a virus, it disrupts user experience and exhibits plenty of evil traits.  Onewebsearch utilizes browser hijackers and black-hat techniques to infect a computer system and attach add-ons, extensions and toolbars.  

Prevent Browser Hijacking with these 8 Tips

Hijackers are installed through careless downloading. For example, when installing Adobe Flash or Adobe Reader, it may ask if you also want to install Google Chrome. The tendency is to continue clicking “Next” without reading disclaimers during the install process. If an optional offer was Conduit, you would have installed a browser hijack malware unknowingly.

A lot of free software come with bloatware that may contain Browser Hijackers. Maintain business efficiency with uninterrupted Internet access. Follow these 8 tips to thwart browser hijacking:

Tip #1:   
Pay attention to what you are installing

Tip #2:    
Do not download or install software you’re unfamiliar with 

Tip #3:   
Uncheck all boxes unrelated to the program you choose 

Tip #4:   
Carefully read the disclaimers and watch for additional programs being installed along with the main software

Tip #5:  
Keep your browser on high security level

Tip #6:   
Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software and keep the real time protect feature activated

Tip #7:  
Be cautious when downloading and installing freeware

Tip #8:   
Keep the automatic updates of your operating system on at all times