What is Browser Hijacking? How Do You Detect and Prevent It?

Have you heard of browser hijacking? It’s when malicious software is designed to quietly alter your web browser’s settings without you even knowing or without your permission. This kind of malicious attack often involves changing your homepage or default search engine.

 Browser hijacking also floods your system with intrusive ads, making them a form of adware. They may redirect you to unsafe sites or alter your system in deeper, unwanted ways.

TIP! Weak passwords are most often compromised by browser hijacking extensions. Always consider creating stronger keys with a robust password manager and store them safely in its security vault. 

Other types of browser hijackers take a step further by including keyloggers. These tools record what you type, capturing sensitive information like usernames and passwords as you enter them online.

This guide covers how browser hijacking works, its symptoms and impact, how to remove it, preventive measures, and the different examples of it. Let’s get started. 

How Does Browser Hijacking Work?

The core technique of browser hijacking is to entirely take over a browser’s system settings without a user’s knowledge, and most definitely without their permission.

It controls the settings in a way that changes settings so much that it redirects users to websites they never intended to visit. These targeted websites are often malicious 

A browser hijacker can enter your device’s system in many ways. It could be attached to a malicious email that appears harmless, or it might be hidden within other software you download, like free apps.

It’s very often that it slips in when people click “Agree” on confusing installation terms without fully understanding what they’re accepting.

Here is a more detailed description of how browser hijacking works: 

• Browser hijackers make money by displaying high volumes of ads to people, forcing views or clicks to artificially inflate engagement metrics.
• They trick users by redirecting them to fake websites that look official. These copycat sites are often honey traps designed to steal data or install harmful software.
• Browser hijackers can use malicious webpages to install spyware or ransomware on users’ devices secretly. This can then be used to target your personal and financial information.

What Are the Symptoms of Browser Hijacking?

The symptoms of browser hijacking often include various patterns, and once you understand them, you’ll be able to recognize the attacks. For instance, you will notice that your homepage or search engine suddenly switches to one you didn’t choose. 

You might also start seeing constant pop-up ads or get redirected to websites you don’t recognize. There are also situations when new toolbars or extensions appear in your browser that you never installed, and your browser starts running noticeably slower.

These are common red flags that unwanted software, often called malware, has taken control of your browser’s settings. The main point of these attacks is usually to control your online activity or collect your personal information.

With that said, here are a few common symptoms or signs of browser hijacking: 

• Your homepage or search engine settings keep changing. 
• You’re suddenly redirected to strange websites instead of the one you tried to visit.
• Pop-up ads constantly appear on sites that usually don’t have them. 
• Toolbars or extensions that you never downloaded appear in your browser.
• The loading time is strangely slow. 
• Fake security warnings pop up, falsely claiming your device is infected.

Risks and Impact of Browsing Hijacking

When you encounter a browser hijacking, there can be severe impacts and risks involved. However, not all browser hijackers have the same motives, which means their attacks can impact users differently. Here are the risks and their impacts: 

Stolen Personal Data

A browser hijack puts you at serious risk. It can lead you to malicious websites or expose your device to malware that is designed to steal your private information. Some hijackers also install spyware that allows them to spy on everything you do online without your knowledge. 

Financial Data Theft

Browser hijackers target specific people to steal financial data. This can give thieves direct access to your bank accounts. It also includes those that only generate ad revenue to fund broader criminal operations.

Virus-Related Distruption

Whether through ransomware that seizes control of a system or search results that are irrelevant and unhelpful, a browser hijacker virus can seriously interfere with a person’s daily routine and productivity.

Lowers Browsing Performance

As a direct extension of the issue above, when a browser is infected with hijacking malware that floods the screen with excessive pop-ups and banner advertisements, both the web browser’s responsiveness and the device’s overall operating speed decline significantly.

Restricted Privacy

This kind of browser hijacking attack uses spyware to capture all kinds of user-sensitive information, stripping away every ounce of online privacy. It creates a situation in which users could later be threatened or extorted with their own data. 

How to Remove Browser Hijackers (Several Methods)

If you’re trying to remove a browser hijacker from your browser, there are a few methods that you can use. There is no single solution that can eliminate all forms of hijacking malware. This is why users must address the problem from several angles. The steps below are recommended for a thorough removal process:

Use Security Software for Browser Hijacking

The first thing you need to do is install security software such as Antivirus or an Anti-malware tool. Ensure that you go for known providers, as most are often scams. A few scans will help detect any compromises that could lead to browser hijacking. 

Clean Cookies and DNS Cache

Clearing out your browsing history, cookies, and cached files can be a smart move. It helps get rid of hidden parts of a browser hijacker that might be hiding in there. Doing the same for your system’s DNS cache is just as helpful; it breaks any connection your computer might have to a hacker’s server. It prevents them from getting to your information.

Delete Suspicious Browser Extensions

One cardinal rule where systems and software matter is to look for what shouldn’t be there. If a browser add-on looks suspicious, you most probably don’t need it. It’s smart to scan and remove any extensions you don’t remember installing or are no longer using. It’s considered one of the most crucial security measures, given the surge in cyberattacks from unknown add-ons and other threats.

Reinstall the Browser

When a browser hijacking infection is relatively new, an antivirus might not be able to detect it. In situations like these, it’s often necessary to thoroughly remove and then reinstall your web browser. However, there are a few circumstances when this malicious software is designed to return after a reinstall. With that said, consider trying an alternate browser. 

How to Prevent Browser Hijacking

Now that you know the risks of a browser hijacker and how to remove it, here are a few methods showing you how to prevent it from occurring or re-occurring: 

• Update all software regularly: always check to see if all your apps, programs, and devices are running on the latest versions. This helps patch up any security gaps that hackers usually target.
• Don’t click on suspicious links or attachments: it’s always essential to avoid being lured into opening anything from an unknown sender. This leads to the number one way to install malware, including browser hijackers, silently.
• Only download software from trusted sources: never drift away from official stores. Always check from the Microsoft Store, Google Play, or the App Store. Alternatively, you can go directly to the official websites of trusted brands.
• Be aware of free software: now all free software is safe. Some programs secretly bundle browser hijackers that install without your consent. You’ll often find them at a hidden price.
• Choose a browser that is built for security: always go for a browser that is designed with privacy in mind. 
• Only choose reliable antivirus software: a trusted antivirus can block harmful downloads before they infect your device and compromise your browser.

Frequently Asked Questions

To Conclude

Coming to the end of this guide on what browser hijacking is and browser hijacker removal methods, you know the fundamental steps to take. Apart from that, knowing that this kind of browser malware attack can steal and compromise saved passwords on your browser, you need better security to prevent it. For this, we recommend using the best password manager for it.