What Is A Browser Hijacker?

Date First Published: 22nd May 2023

Topic: Cybersecurity

Subtopic: Threats To Systems, Data & Information

Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions

Difficulty: Medium

Difficulty Level: 5/10

CONTENTS

Signs Of A Browser Hijacker

Learn more about what a browser hijacker is in this article.

A browser hijacker is a type of malware that changes a browser's settings, appearance, theme, or behaviour without the user's permission. The goal of most browser hijackers is to generate revenue for the creator by displaying unwanted ads and stealing confidential information, which can be sold by the creator. Whilst some browser hijackers can be removed, some make themselves very difficult to reverse by completely taking over the web browser and corrupting the settings.

Browser hijackers infect devices by spreading through email attachments and infected files from the internet. Software programs, add-ons, or extensions may be bundled with a browser hijacker, so users may have clicked next or okay without reading the agreement, leading to programs being installed that they were unaware of.

Some browser hijackers may not be dangerous. They may just be an annoyance in that they add unwanted features, like unnecessary toolbars and display ads in places where they shouldn't be. However, some browser hijackers can be dangerous and do things like pharming to redirect users to sites that mimic legitimate sites to steal their sensitive information, logging keystrokes to record credentials, capturing cookies to steal login sessions, and more.

Signs Of A Browser Hijacker

Below are seven signs that indicate that your browser has been hijacked.

Your browser settings, homepage, or preferences have unexpectedly changed without your permission.
Your web browser keeps redirecting to scam sites or sites filled with ads that you were not expecting.
New toolbars, extensions, or add-ons have unexpectedly appeared in your web browser without your permission.
Constant popup ads unexpectedly appear in your web browser over and over again. If ads are constantly appearing in your web browser in places where they shouldn't appear, that is a sign of a browser hijacker or an adware program.
Web searches redirect to sites other than expected. A browser hijacker can change your default search engine to one that spams you with ads or redirects you to sites that download malware on your computer.
Webpages that you usually visit are not loading properly or loading very slowly.
Lack of free space on your computer. Browser hijackers can take up a lot of space on your computer. If you have suddenly noticed that there is little space on your computer, that is another sign of a browser hijacker.