Purpose of Knowledge Article

Guide on what Browser Hijackers and best practices against it. Not all 

What can Browser Hijacker do?

• Modify the browser's settings without the user's consent
• Change the browser's homepage, often placing a fake search engine 
• Redirect the web search engine to a different search engine and/or altering with the result of the search
• Install additional extensions/add-ons that display intrusive popups/ads, collect data, and modify search result
• Track user data without consent, including personal information
• Put the computer at risk and expose the computer to additional malware infections and compromise your privacy and data
• Cause performance issues to the computer

Keep in mind that browser hijacker has common characteristics but varies in their specific impacts and behaviors.

How does Browser Hijacker get installed?

• Maybe bundled with legitimate software you installed
• Download software from untrusted sources
• From email attachment
• Comes in the form of stand-alone software and extensions/add-ons
• Some may look like legitimate software

How to keep yourself safe?

• Caution, caution, caution
• Do research on software and extensions/add-ons before installing them
• Always download from reputable sources
• Keep software updated
• Regularly scan your computer with reputable anti-malware software

Examples of Browser Hijackers:

• Onelaunch
• Wave Browser

Additional Resouces

• https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/definition/browser-hijacker#:~:text=A%20browser%20hijacker%20is%20a,other%2C%20usually%20malicious%2C%20websites
• https://us.norton.com/blog/malware/what-are-browser-hijackers