Browser hijacker
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A browser hijacker is a form of malware or spyware that replaces the existing internet browser home page, error page, or search page with its own. These are generally used to force hits to a particular website.
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[edit] Earthlink
As of August 26th, 2006, Earthlink redirects its customers' nonexistent domain searches to a company-provided error page containing suggestions, a search box and several advertisements.
[edit] CoolWebSearch
CoolWebSearch (CWS) was one of the first browser hijackers. It redirected the existing home page to the rogue CWS search engine, with its results as sponsored links. With most antivirus and antispyware programs unable to properly remove this particular hijacker, a man named Merijn Bellekom developed a special tool called CWShredder specifically to remove this hijacker. CoolWebSearch has since become a well known general name for any browser hijacker.
[edit] Profit
Many people think that browser hijackers are designed to be just plain annoying. Most hijackers use this method to force hits to their websites, since most have ads. This then drives up the advertising cost for that website. This makes more money for the webmaster.
[edit] Removal
Most new hijackers will not allow a user to change back to their home page through Internet Properties; the preset hijacker's settings will most likely return upon reboot. Almost all new antispyware software will remove it. Some have a browser page restore function to set your page back to normal. Some also alert you when your browser page has been changed.
[edit] Rogue security software
Some rogue security software will also hijack the start page generally displaying a message such as "WARNING! Your computer is infected with spyware!" Most will change it back once you've bought their software. Programs such as WinFixer are known to hijack the user's start page and redirect it to the website.
