What Is a Browser Hijacker?

A browser hijacker is a type of malware that infects an internet browser. When your Internet browser becomes infected, it’s done without your knowledge or consent so you may not even notice it’s there until it’s too late. Typically, browser hijackers are used by cybercriminals to redirect users to malicious websites for financial gain, but they can also be used to gather your personal information and spy on your online activity.

Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about browser hijackers and how you can stay safe from them. 

How browser hijackers work

When a browser hijacker is unknowingly downloaded onto your browser, it can modify your browser’s settings such as the search engine you use, your default home page and your browser’s security settings. You may even notice new toolbars and bookmarks appearing in your browser that you didn’t download or create yourself. 

You may be wondering how exactly a browser hijacker can get installed on your browser. It can be due to several reasons such as downloading applications from untrustworthy websites, downloading infected email attachments or visiting malicious websites. 

The dangers of browser hijackers

While not all browser hijacker software is created to steal your personal information, some is, which is what makes this type of malware so dangerous. Your browser contains a lot of your personal information. If you’re someone who uses a browser password manager, browser hijackers can easily steal login credentials you have stored in your browser and allow cybercriminals to use them to sign in to your online accounts. With access to multiple accounts, a cybercriminal can cause a lot of damage and even use the information they have to steal your identity.

The best way to protect your login credentials from browser hijackers is by using a dedicated password manager to store them. Keeper Password Manager secures your stored data using zero-knowledge encryption, preventing anyone but you from being able to access it.

Signs of browser hijacking

To stay safe from browser hijacking, you need to be able to spot it. Here are a few signs that point to a browser hijacker infection. 

How to remove a browser hijacker

Here are a few steps you can take to remove the browser hijacker software from your computer.

1. Scan your system using an antivirus software

If you don’t already have antivirus software installed on your computer, we highly recommend you research one that will fit your needs and download it immediately. Antivirus software constantly scans your computer to prevent known malware and viruses from infecting your device. Once you have downloaded antivirus software, run a full system scan so the software can remove the browser hijacker. Keep in mind that if the browser hijacker software uses newer code, it can go undetected by the antivirus software program. 

2. Restore your browser’s settings

After scanning your computer, the next step you should take is restoring your browser’s settings. Any modifications that the browser hijacker made to your browser should be switched back to what they were before. You’ll also need to delete any browser extensions you didn’t download yourself and clear your browser’s cache and cookies. In severe cases, you’ll need to reset your browser by uninstalling and reinstalling it. 

Keep safe from browser hijackers

Browser hijackers can cause significant damage if they’re not noticed immediately after infecting your browser. Here are a few preventative measures to stay protected against browser hijackers. 

By following these preventative measures, you can significantly reduce your chances of becoming a target of browser hijacking.