What is browser hijacking?

Browser hijacking is when a malicious program takes control of your web browser. As a result, data is stolen, unwanted advertisements appear, or additional malware is installed. To prevent such infestations, employing antivirus programs, keeping your software regularly updated, and practising cautious online behaviour are essential measures.

Browser hijacking definition and types

Browser hijacking, like DNS hijacking and URL hijacking, is a particularly perfidious form of malware. As the name suggests, it involves ‘hijacking’ a web browser. Users lose control over the browser and are compelled to tolerate undesired actions or even witness their browser executing these actions autonomously.

Browser hijacking takes on various forms, such as altering your start page, causing unexpected pop-up windows, or displaying unwanted advertisements. Detecting browser hijacking can be challenging since it doesn’t announce itself, often becoming apparent only when issues arise.

The threat posed by browser hijackers varies, as it can be initiated by various entities. For instance, companies may employ this method to display ads or steer users to specific websites. Nevertheless, even such actions should be categorised as a form of cyber attack because they intrude upon users’ control.

However, it becomes more dangerous when hackers use this method to install malware, obtain sensitive information or even paralyse the system. The malware therefore represents a major security risk and should be taken seriously.

How does browser hijacking work?

Browser hijacking necessitates nothing more than a discreetly installed small program on the user’s computer. This software can infiltrate the end device through various means such as an email attachment, downloads from unfamiliar websites, browser add-ons, or exploiting other security vulnerabilities in the system.

When the program is run for the first time, it overwrites default browser functions. Subsequently, when the browser is launched again, these modifications have already taken effect and cannot be manually reversed. Depending on the specific type of browser hijacker, affected users might not initially perceive the underlying issues occurring in the background.

What are the risks of browser hijacking?

Browser hijacking can lead to great damage and should therefore definitely be taken seriously. Among other things, the following consequences are possible because of an attack:

• Changed homepage: This alteration becomes immediately noticeable. Instead of your previously chosen homepage, a different website appears, often inundated with aggressive advertisements or attempts to redirect you to potentially harmful online destinations. This is where requests for personal data may also occur.
• Unwanted advertising: Browser hijackers may cause numerous pop-up windows to suddenly appear after restarting. Even many conventional adblockers sometimes have problems with this.
• Swapping the search engine: Browser hijacking can also lead to using a different search engine, which usually displays commercial results or results that are also malicious.
• Data theft: This malware can lead to the theft and resale of sensitive data like passwords, addresses, PIN codes, and the like. Additionally, while less perilous, it can also gather information about your browsing habits and purchasing behaviour. Consequently, this data may be sold, and you might be subjected to personalised advertisements, which, though not as dangerous, can still be quite bothersome.
• Other malware: Browser hijacking also serves as a gateway for further malware, which then spreads on your computer and causes great damage. Conceivable attacks include viruses, Trojans and other types of malware.
• System overload: When your browser is hijacked, it can lead to numerous applications running simultaneously, causing a decline in your computer’s performance. In the worst-case scenario, these issues can escalate to system crashes.
• Hijacking the computer: Without the appropriate countermeasures and with the use of the right software, hackers can potentially seize control not only of your browser but also your entire computer, effectively locking you out. This situation can lead to severe consequences, including massive data loss and various other problems.

Examples of browser hijackers

There are numerous different programs that perform browser hijacking. These are some of the best-known examples:

• Ask Toolbar: The Ask Toolbar is among the most widely used search engines globally, but not necessarily by choice. It often comes bundled as an extension with various programs, replacing your preferred search option without consent. The Ask Toolbar is known for displaying numerous ads and offering biased search results. If you don’t want to use it, it’s advisable to remove the extension.
• Awesomehp: This browser hijacker hides itself in data packages or updates and then lets itself be installed surreptitiously. Once implemented, the malicious program hijacks the homepage and the set search engine of any installed web browser and from then on it only links to awesomehp.com. This is a fake search engine that links mostly adware and malware. Additionally, Awesomehp leads to an increase in pop-ups and various other forms of advertisements.
• Conduit: Conduit was a well-known toolbar that many users or companies liked to use. However, the program not only changed the homepage and search engine, but also collected personal data and sold it to third parties.
• Search Dimension: Search Dimension operates similarly. It masquerades as a helpful add-on, particularly for Chrome, while surreptitiously collecting and sharing sensitive data. Removing this browser hijacker is challenging because of its numerous concealed connections.

How to remove a browser hijacker?

Unfortunately, if you have become a victim of browser hijacking, eliminating the problem is not that easy. Although in some cases it may be enough to simply uninstall the affected browser and download it again afterwards, some malicious programs also reinstall themselves automatically. Uninstalling the browser hijacker is not always enough either. In this case, it often helps to use a suitable antivirus program, which detects and removes the unwanted files. However, if the problem persists beyond that, you may have to format your computer and reboot the operating system in the worst case.

How to protect yourself from browser hijacking?

Therefore, it’s important that you prevent browser hijacking in the first place. The following steps will help you do this:

• Antivirus software: Use appropriate antivirus software to protect against not only browser hijacking, but also other threats such as phishing, smishing, spear phishing, pharming or other ransomware, spyware and scareware.
• Install updates: To reduce security risks, always keep your system and browser up to date.
• Check sources: Be cautious with downloads and attachments from unknown senders; this includes pop-ups. Avoid clicking ‘OK’ in such cases.
• Control downloads: Before and after downloading, check for any unwanted files to ensure your safety.

Unfortunately, browser hijacking can affect smartphones too. The best defense includes antivirus programs, adblockers, and keeping security updates current. Even on mobile browsers, it’s crucial to download only from trusted sources.