Browser hijacker is a malicious element that tends to take over your browser. This kind of virus is used to enslave your browsing activities for fraudulent purposes. Generally, such virus is developed and dispersed for revenue generation, as the virus force to visit specific webpages.
Prior to proceeding this piece for the solution, let be advised to first Scan and Fix your system’s concealed disorders which most probably is eliciting the inconsistencies:
- Step 1 : Download Systimizer – PC Cleaner & Internet Booster (Works on Windows 10, 8, 7 & XP)
- Step 2 : Click “Scan” to find system issues
- Step 3 : Click “Fix” to repair all anomalies
Described below are the symptoms, causes, and solution to this threat.
Symptoms
- A Browser Hijacker captures your Homepage, and set up one of its own need. This homepage is usually a search engine and appears straightaway, as soon as you launch your web browser.
- A Browser Hijacker prompts you frequently with pop-ups, while you are surfing through the internet. These pop-ups are adverts requiring you to click one.
- A browser Hijacker redirects you frequently to its targeted webpages, as the aim of this virus is to generate visitors’ traffic for a desired webpage. An example of this virus is Google Redirect Virus.
- A Browser Hijacker adds a toolbar to your internet browser. This is a malevolent set of gears originated to serve the virus developers.
Causes
In most of the cases, it enters your system when you try to download a desired program/application from an unauthorized server. On installing this program/application, the malicious element also gets mounted on your hard drive. Resultantly, it takes possession of your Web Browser, command it to act in a weird manner.
Remove the Malicious Toolbar
- Open Task Manager, select your web browsers in the list, and click End Task button
- Internet Explorer users: go to the Tools menu, and select Manage Add-ons. On the Toolbars and Extensions tab, click to highlight the undesired toolbar and then click Disable button.
- Google Chrome user: click the Customize button in the upper right corner and click Settings. Access the Extensions tab and uncheck the box next to an undesired toolbar.
- Mozilla Firefox users: click the orange colored button stating Firefox in the upper left corner of the browser. In the dropped down menu, select Add-ons option. Locate the undesired toolbars and click Remove button next to them.
Change your Homepage
- Internet Explorer users: go to the Tools menu and select Internet Options. On General tab, under Homepage area, input a desired web address, removing the spiteful one. Click OK to save and exit.
- Google Chrome users: click the Customize button in the upper right corner of the browser and go to its Settings. Locate On startup area, choose Open a specific page and click Set pages. Enter the anticipated URL in the dialog box and click OK.
- Mozilla Firefox users: press Alt key to view the menu bar. Go to Tools menu and choose the Options. Access the General tab and change the URL in text box next to Homepage. Press OK to save and exit.
Scan with Antivirus
Once all kinds of browsers are closed down, run your Antivirus utility to clean up the scenario. Rerun the antimalware application to scan your drives again. If possible, try different software for the second run.
