We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Security

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Browser Hijacking?

By R. Kayne
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,999
Share

Browser hijacking occurs when malware (malicious software) self-installs while cruising the Internet. Malware code changes the behavior of Internet Explorer™, typically adding several bookmarks to “Favorites” and changing the home page without the user’s permission. Browser hijacking often involves linking Explorer to adult websites and bombarding the user with adult pop-up advertisements.

Less often a browser hijacking might not involve adult content but will be repeated redirects to a site you did not click on and have no interest in. It might suddenly feel like your browser has a mind of its own. You intend to go to your home site, but your browser keeps popping over to another. Malware is redirecting your clicks to the destination site.

When struck by this behavior a user often attempts to change back the home page only to find the correction won’t stick. Malicious code can make changes to the system’s “hosts” file which maps domain addresses to corresponding Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. When you type “wisegeek.com” for example, the malware might have changed the corresponding IP from wisegeek’s address to some other IP.

Many malware programs take advantage of ActiveX scripts, which Explorer processes directly from Web pages. A popup might ask permission to install some piece of software with a message that is vague or misleading. The visitor might agree, believing the program is needed to view the site properly. Instead he or she has just given permission for a browser hijacking without realizing it.

Most spyware programs scan for malware and many programs will remove it. Modifications to Explorer can prevent browser hijacking, and can be done automatically by freeware programs like SpywareBlaster. Other popular freeware programs include Ad-AwareSE, Spyware Terminator, ThreatFire and Spyware Guard. You can also consider using a more secure browser such as Firefox®, which does not execute ActiveX.

To avoid browser hijacking and attacks by malware it is important to keep spyware current. Unlike typical software programs that only require occasional updates, effective spyware depends on constantly updated databases, same as anti-virus programs. Many popular firewalls incorporate spyware scanners. It is a good idea to use at least two spyware scanners regularly. One program can catch what the other might miss.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By anon65763 — On Feb 15, 2010

Wow. Wish i had known this years ago when our computer had this happen. That was when this was new and all it did was show history of the sites and make sound if the hijacker was listening to something.

By anon63719 — On Feb 03, 2010

Can your browser be hijacked if your using the Google Chrome browser?

By lokilove — On Jan 25, 2010

Ugh I had my homepage hijacked on IE. It took 3 different spyware programs to finally get rid of it. It's incredibly frustrating!

After going through it twice I just stopped using IE altogether. Been using FireFox for over a year now and not once had a problem, with anything at all!

Avoid the annoyance, get a faster browser with less trouble, switch to Firefox!

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-browser-hijacking.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.