Browser Highjack

Browser hijacks can fall into the same category as Spyware, adware, malware, and other Trojans but always directly affect the web browser of the computer that is hijacked.  Many computer users do not realize when these programs have been secretly installed on their computer.  They may also not realize that their system or browsers settings have been changed.

Symptoms a computer user may encounter when their web browser or the computer system itself has been hijacked:

• Your default home page changes to a different page; commonly a search page or one of an adult nature.
   
• A slowdown in the computer's performance.
   
• You discover new toolbars in the browser such as a new search toolbar added to the browser window.
   
• Your default search engine or other settings have changed.
   
• Popups occur out of nowhere, even without the web browser being open. Sometimes related to the type of information you are looking at within your web browser.
   
• Some sort of element is overlaid on the browser window, possible trying to lure you into using it as a search tool or click it's ads.

How to Remove Browser Hijacks

In most cases browser hijacks can be removed using the top tools available such as Spybot Search and Destroy or Ad-Aware. 

Sometimes a Browser Hijack is more stubborn to remove and may require a more manual method of removal.

Alternately use of a different Web Browser other than Internet Explorer can resolve the problem of acquiring a browser hijack.  A good example of an alternate web browser is Mozilla Firefox.

If you are running Microsoft Windows XP, updating to the latest Service Pack will help protect your computer against spyware.

Spybot Search and Destroy Detects and removes spyware of different kinds (dialers, loggers, trojans, user tracks) from your computer. Blocks ActiveX downloads, tracking cookies and other threats. Scans for over 38,000 objects using detection definitions that are updated frequently. It also provides detailed information about found problems.  Cost is FREE with donations accepted (please donate to their cause if you like the product).
More information including links and tips for using the program.
Ad-Aware SE Personal Ad-Aware Personal provides advanced protection from known data-mining, aggressive advertising, Trojans, dialers, malware, browser hijackers, and tracking components. This software is downloadable free of charge.
More information including links and tips for using the program.

Other Related Articles & Resources

Free Online Virus and Spyware Scanning Services

Preferred Web Browsers Other than Internet Explorer

Article on how to detect and prevent spyware on your system.

http://www.spywareinfo.com/articles/hijacked/

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/online/browser_hijacking.mspx

http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000578.htm

Microsoft's Windows Defender

Spy Sweeper from Webroot Software

SpywareBlaster from Javacool Software

HijackThis by Merijn.