|
Browser HiJackers
programs taking over your browser without your consent?
Browser Hijacking a disgusting trend that makes things tough for many of us to enjoy their Internet experience. More and more common, people's browsers, home page settings and/or search engine page settings are being forcibly hijacked by malicious web sites and software which modifies your default start and search pages without you knowing!. If this sounds like something a Virus would do, and sounds like something that should be illegal to you.... I AGREE!
Sometimes internet shortcuts will be added to your favorites folder without asking you and without anyone on your computer even knowing about it! The purpose of all of these tactics is to force you to visit a web site of the hijacker's choice so that they can artificially inflate their web site's traffic for higher advertising revenues, and to trick people in to visiting their web sites.
In some cases, these changes are reversible simply by going into internet options and switching them back. However, from what I've seen, it will usually re-set itself when you reboot your computer! Sometimes it's necessary to edit the windows registry to undo the changes made. Messing with the Registry is dangerous and can potientially disable your computer.
What kind of low-life hacker would do this to people?... Well, it is hacker types, porn sites, some free software and music downloads, but Even America Online has become a browser hijacker by placing it's web site free.aol.com in Explorer's trusted sites security zone, where they bypass the most frequently used security settings. This occurs after you install their AOL software, AOL Instant Messenger, Netscape, and ICQ. These ActiveX Hyjack methods are also used by Virus programs to get to your computer.
Preventing a HiJack
Most people use Internet Explorer, which has many user controlled options, but if you do not understand all of them, your system could be just waiting for this intrusive garbage. To avoid hyjacker tactics, you need to tighten up your browser's security settings.
Open your control panel and open Internet Options to the Security tab. In the ActiveX area, disable activeX that is not marked as safe and not signed. For activex marked as safe and signed, set to prompt. This means it will ask you if you want to accept the ActiveX of the web site you are visiting... usually, your answer will be no, unless you are visiting a trusted web site that you know is using ActiveX to properly show there web site.
Always keep current with the latest security fixes from Microsoft. Especially look at updates to Java VM.
Removing HiJackers
For Starters, you need to get rid of the OFFENSIVE SpyWare or HiJack software by trying out one of these programs: Each one has it's own instructions page to help you out.
- Browser Hijacker Blaster [highly recommended]
- Settings Sentry [From the maker of Spyblocker]
- Ad-aware for SpyWare removal. "You'll be amazed at how much you will find!"
- It is also highly recommended that you search for a Registry Cleaner utility which should be available for Free. This will clean some of this nasty garbage from your System Registry.
|