Early morning, and you are ready to go online to check out the daily news, the weather, or stock market closing. But your browser looks odd and unfamiliar. You might be a victim of browser hijacking.

Browser hijacking is a growing concern in internet security, both for consumers and organizations. What is browser hijacking, how does it affect your security, and how can you avoid it? This guide aims to provide you with an authoritative explanation of this new cyberthreat, how it works, and the potential dangers it poses to users. With this understanding, you will be better equipped to safeguard your online activities and protect your sensitive data from potential breaches.

Modified browser functions and settings

Browser hijacking refers to the unauthorized modification of browser settings by malicious entities or malware, which sets about changing the primary configurations of the browser. Aside from modifying the default home page, search engine, and error page settings, the hijacker also introduces new toolbars and bookmarks filled with links to fake or malicious websites. It could even track your browsing activity to collect personal data.

In one recent incident, browser hijackers hidden in compromised browser extensions affected 2.6 million individuals and organizations, stealing the users’ Facebook cookies and authentication tokens. Reports like these underscore the importance of vigilance, good digital habits, and the need for a strong security solution.

Browser hijackers’ infiltration methods

Unlike traditional malware that might rely on obvious downloads or attachments, browser hijackers are commonly bundled with legitimate-looking software, disguised as useful extensions, or delivered through fake update prompts. Understanding these infection methods is key to avoiding them, and protecting your browser from being taken over.

  • Bundled software installers: A browser hijacker often comes packaged with free software you download. During installation, it’s included as an “optional offer” that is easy to overlook. Safeguard: Always select “Custom” or “Advanced” installation settings to review and uncheck any bundled programs you don’t want.
  • Malicious browser extensions: Some extensions that promise useful features, like a file converter or shopping coupon finder, operate stealthily with the goal of generating fraudulent revenue from increased web traffic, advertising, or stealing your information. Safeguard: Only install extensions from official browser stores and after reading recent reviews.
  • Drive-by downloads: You can get infected just by visiting a compromised or malicious website, even without any clicks. Safeguard: Keep your browser and security software up to date to patch vulnerabilities.
  • Deceptive update prompts: Fake pop-ups may warn you that your software, such as Flash Player or browser, is out of date, tricking you into installing a browser hijacker instead of a real update. Safeguard: Never download updates from a pop-up. Go directly to the official software vendor’s website.
  • Push notification abuse: Shady websites may trick you into clicking “Allow” on a notification prompt, which then lets them send a constant stream of pop-ups to your device. Safeguard: Be selective about which sites you allow to send notifications and revoke permissions for any you don’t recognize.

Signs of browser hijacking

Browser hijackers manifest themselves in a number of ways. Here’s a closer look at the overt and covert activities or alterations they perform:

  • Fake search engines: Your browser is forced to use a low-quality search engine you’ve never seen before. These sites deliver ad-filled results and track your queries, posing a risk to your privacy and leading you to potentially malicious websites.
  • Bundled toolbars: After installing a new program, an unwanted toolbar appears in your browser. These toolbars clutter your screen, slow down browsing, and often contain links to compromised sites or track your online behavior.
  • Extension-based redirectors: A seemingly useful browser extension, such as a “file converter” or “coupon finder,” secretly takes control of your search functionality, redirecting you through affiliate networks to generate revenue for its creators.
  • Notification spam sites: Websites that trick you into accepting push notifications, then bombard your device with pop-up ads and alerts containing scams, fake news, or links to malware, even when your browser is closed.
  • Cloned update prompts: Fake pop-ups disguised as critical updates for your browser, Java, or Adobe Flash Player. Clicking them initiates the installation of the browser hijacker instead of a legitimate update.
  • Blocked access to security sites: An advanced hijacker may prevent you from visiting security software websites to stop you from finding a fix.

Recognizing these signs early on can help curb the potential damage. It’s important to act promptly by scanning your computer with a trusted antivirus or anti-malware tool, such as McAfee+. This software will detect and remove the hijacking program, restoring your browser settings and computer performance to normal.

The potency of browser hijacking

The dangers of your browser being hijacked extend far beyond the homepage. For starters, it disrupts your user experience by causing sudden and unrequested changes to your browser settings. In turn, this results in decreased productivity as you spend significant time trying to rectify the situation or dealing with constant redirects to unwanted websites.

Apart from impacting your computer’s performance, browser hijackers can also cause system instability. As the hijacking software modifies your browser settings, it may interfere with other software operations, leading to frequent software crashes and system errors. These issues not only affect productivity but also pose the risk of data loss.

In addition, the changes made by browser hijackers could expose you to security vulnerabilities and other malware threats. Browser hijackers could also potentially steal your sensitive data by installing tracking cookies that gather information about your browsing history, search preferences, and even personal information such as login credentials and financial data. This trove of data can be exploited for targeted advertising, identity theft, or sold to third parties, thus posing a significant risk to your online privacy and security.

A browser hijacker can also open the door to more severe malware infections, such as spyware or ransomware. Finally, they often use persistence mechanisms, like modifying system policies, that make manual browser hijacker removal difficult for the average user.

Effectively protect yourself from browser hijacking

Proper safeguards are essential to protect yourself from browser hijacking. Here are some steps you can follow to significantly reduce the risk of a browser hijack.

  • Regularly review browser settings: Periodically check your browser’s homepage, search engine, and installed extensions to make sure no unauthorized changes have been made.
  • Download from official sources: Always get software directly from the developer’s official website or trusted marketplaces such as the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
  • Pay attention during installation: When installing new software, select “Custom” or “Advanced” installation options. This allows you to review and uncheck any bundled software you do not want.
  • Keep software updated: Enable automatic updates for your browser, operating system, and extensions. Updates frequently contain security patches that protect against vulnerabilities that hijackers exploit.
  • Be cautious with extensions: Only install browser extensions from reputable developers. Before installing, read reviews and check the permissions they request to ensure they aren’t excessive. If an extension wants more access than it needs for its function, do not install it.
  • Use a standard user account: For daily browsing, use a standard user account on your computer instead of an administrator account. This can prevent hijackers from making system-level changes.
  • Use comprehensive security software: A reliable security solution like McAfee+ provides a crucial layer of defense, actively scanning for and blocking potentially unwanted programs and malware before they can cause harm.

Remove a browser hijacker ASAP

If you suspect your device has been infected by a browser hijacker, immediate action is necessary. The first step is to use a reputable antivirus or anti-malware tool to scan your system. McAfee+ performs a comprehensive scan to identify and remove any existing malware, including browser hijackers. Its real-time protection also helps to prevent any further infections.

After running a full system scan, it is important to restore your browser settings. This involves changing your homepage and search engine back to your preferred settings, deleting any unfamiliar toolbars or extensions, and clearing your browser cache and cookies. In some cases, you might need to completely reset your browser to eliminate all traces of the hijacker.

Final thoughts

Browser hijacking is a recognizable threat in today’s cyber world, posing significant risks to online privacy, security, and computer performance. Being aware of browser hijacking signs and how to protect yourself can make a huge difference in maintaining your secure digital environment.

Regular software updates, vigilant internet usage, and a robust security solution like McAfee+ are essential in preventing and combating browser hijacking. McAfee+ provides robust security features, including real-time scanning, firewall protection, anti-phishing, and anti-malware tools, among others. These features work in tandem to detect and remove any potential threats, offering complete peace of mind when browsing the internet.

By taking a proactive approach to cyber security, you can safely navigate the internet without the fear of compromising your privacy or security.