Pop-Ups and Browser Hijacks

A browser hijack is a type of malware or spyware that changes your current home page in your Internet browser such as Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome, with its own error, search or other standard web page. The primary purpose of a browser hijack is to force hits and increase the traffic on that particular site. Many sites make money based on how many hits they receive, primarily from advertisers. With a site that receives more traffic, the cost of advertising goes up and a webmaster profits.

The primary symptom that displays when a browser is hijacked is the home page changing to an unwanted or unknown site. You may also notice that additional toolbars have been installed in the browser with buttons that direct you to other websites or encourage you to use their customized search engine. The toolbars are typically very pronounced and stick out. Another sign that your browser may have been hijacked is if your default search engine or security settings have changed.  You may notice a flood of obscene pop-up windows assaulting you after a mistyped URL, or malicious code taking over your browser completely, or any number of other malfunctions within your internet browser.  Chances are your browser has been hijacked!

Generally your home page will be changed and new favorites will be added that point to sites of dubious content. In most cases, the hijacker will have made registry changes to your system, causing the home page to revert back to the unwanted destination even if you attempt to change it manually.  Now you must figure out a way to eliminate the hijack and of course, to prevent any future hijackings.

Now that you know what a browser hijack is and what it does, you're probably wondering how it got there in the first place. Many software companies include these additional programs and hijacks with their downloads. While you may think that you're only downloading a useful program, the truth is that many times the terms and conditions that you consent to also have information regarding the add-on or bundled software. To avoid becoming a victim of browser hijacking, many times you can uncheck the box that authorizes permission to install third-party software on your machine.

It can also get on your computer by clicking on a link or opening an email attachment that you're unsure of. It does not require a large file to write a script that is able to modify your computer's security and browser settings. Even if you go into your browser's settings and change the security and home page back to what they originally were you may discover that the hijack is still lurking deep down in the computer and just replaces itself the next time you open the browser. Ultimately you will need to remove the hijack using a program designed specifically to get rid of the troublesome hijack such as anti-malware, anti-virus or an anti-spyware program.

You can eliminate a Browser Hijack, but it is time consuming.  The best thing to do is begin with the Quick Fix steps above, including an immediate virus scan and spyware scan.  Next, remove questionable programs that you did not install and suspect to be malware - do this via CCleaner or the Windows Add and Remove Programs feature.  The problem is that most Browser Hijacks cannot simply be removed by this method and that piece of malware software you tried to uninstall will just re-install itself.

Install and run Lavasoft's Ad-Aware scan.  Then restart your PC in "safe mode" and run an antivirus scan.  Use Hijack-This to check your registry for malware.  In a worst case scenario, visit the following websites for step-by-step help by computer professionals on how to remove your browser hijack and fix your computer:  CastleCops or BleepingComputer .

Attempt to remove most of the malware on your computer using free anti-virus/anti-trojan products . We have provided a list of our recommended online and free/trial software that we recommend you to scan your computer with as part of this step.  Lastly, you may need to download and install Hijack-This - a popular free diagnostic program.

Once you have eliminated the Spyware on your PC, you must prevent any future Spyware from recurring.  Stop any future invasions with a potent Firewall and with judicious web-surfing habits.  See step #4 for advice and tips on Firewalls

Windows Vista vs. Spyware

All versions of Vista come installed with a program called Windows Defender (previously known as Microsoft Antispyware).  This handy utility works with Internet Explorer and Windows Mail to protect your computer from spyware.  Windows Defender has become an integral part of the Windows Vista Operating System and make it very convenient for users to eliminate and prevent spyware without having to install third-party software.  The Windows Defender enables you to actively scan your computer for all types of spyware that might have infected your computer --especially if you use Internet Explorer to subscribe to online services or make online purchases.  This software is very capable and has received favorable reviews since Vista was launched.

To open the Windows Defender window, click on Start --> Control Panel --> Security --> Windows Defender.

After the Windows Defender window is open, you can click the Scan button to have Vista perform a quick scan of your computer and report any spyware anomalies.

Windows (Free) Tool to Fight Malware

Microsoft's Security Essentials software protects against viruses, Trojans, worms, and spyware. The company has also created an anti-virus team who publishes their findings on the Microsoft Malware Protection Center website.  In addition to virus scanning, Security Essentials offers integration with Windows Firewall as well as rootkit protection.

Microsoft Security Essentials offers great protection while being a very lightweight program. Unlike other bloated commercial packages, it does not slow your system down. It runs nicely in the background and only makes itself known when it has discovered an infection. The package is compact and efficient.

In use it is simplicity itself. One does not need to touch it but rather allow it to run. If the user is suspicious about certain files, they can first be viewed in Window Explorer. The suspected file can then be chosen. Now initiate a right clock while pointing to the file. Security Essentials has added a “Scan with Microsoft Security Essentials” item to the context menu. Simply click on it to manually scan the selected file.

This program requires no registration, no trials, or renewals and is available absolutely free of charge by download directly from Microsoft at: http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials

Protect your most valuable files by backing them up.  Want more details on how to shop for a Backup Hard Drive and how to decide on a backup plan? Check out our Backup Hard Drive Guide for information and details on how to purchase the best hard drive.