browser hijacker
Home > Security Definitions - Browser hijacker
SearchSecurity.com Definitions (Powered by WhatIs.com)
EMAIL THIS
LOOK UP TECH TERMS Powered by: WhatIs.com
Search listings for thousands of IT terms:
Browse tech terms alphabetically:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #

browser hijacker


Show me everything on Web Browser Security

DEFINITION - A browser hijacker (sometimes called hijackware) is a type of malware program that alters your computer's browser settings so that you are redirected to Web sites that you had no intention of visiting. Most browser hijackers alter default home pages and search pages to those of their customers, who pay for that service because of the traffic it generates. More virulent versions often: add bookmarks for pornographic Web sites to the users' own bookmark collection; generate pornographic pop-up windows faster than the user can click them shut; and redirect users to pornographic sites when they inadvertently mistype a URL or enter a URL without the www. preface. Poorly coded browser hijackers -- which, unsurprisingly, are common -- may also slow your computer down and cause browser crashes.

Browser hijackers and the pornographic material they often leave in their wake can also be responsible for a variety of non-technical problems. Employees have lost jobs because of content and links found on their computers at work; people have been charged with possession of illegal material; and personal relationships have been severed or strained. In one case in the United States, a Russian immigrant was convicted for possession of child pornography, although he claims to have been the victim of a browser hijacker.

Like adware and spyware, a browser hijacker may be installed as part of freeware installation. In this case, the browser hijacker is probably mentioned in the user agreement -- although, obviously, not identified as a browser hijacker. The problem is that users typically either ignore the fine print or only give it a cursory reading. A browser hijacker may also be installed without user permission, as the result of an infected e-mail, a file share, or a drive-by download. To avoid contamination, experts advise users to read user agreements carefully, and to be cautious about freeware downloads and e-mail messages from unknown sources.

Also see other forms of hijacking.

Learn more about Web Browser Security
Spyware Protection and Removal Tutorial: This spyware protection and removal tutorial is a compilation of free resources that explain what spyware is, how it attacks and what you can to do to win the war on spyware.
Top five ways to keep users safe from today's Web-based threats: In this podcast, learn about link-scanning tools, browser configurations and other techniques that can make a major difference in the security of your network.
Web Browser Security Learning Guide: Identify the inherent flaws of Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox, learn about viable Web browser alternatives, and how to maximize your Web browsing security.
State-based attacks: Session management: This excerpt reviews session management techniques developers can use to protect against session hijacking and other Web application attacks.
Security Wire Weekly: Get a brief recap of the week's top information security news as reported by SearchSecurity.com's award-winning news team. Listen from your PC or favorite MP3 player.

LAST UPDATED: 01 Dec 2005

Do you have something to add to this definition? Let us know.
Send your comments to techterms@whatis.com

More resources from around the web:
- Our "Learn IT: Viruses & other Malware - Detection, Prevention, and Cure" has more information about unwanted programs and how to get rid of them.
- Spywareinfo has more information about detecting and removing browser hijackers.
- Wired News reports that "Nasty Malware Fouls PCs With Porn."





FILE EXTENSION AND FILE FORMAT LIST
File Extension and File Format List:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #


RELATED CONTENT
Microsoft warns that IE zero-day vulnerability causes data leakage
A new Microsoft advisory warns of a zero-day vulnerability that could result in information disclosure for users of Windows XP.
Browser exploit kit probe highlights need for patching, vigilance
Eleonore exploit kit targets browser vulnerabilities and plug-in holes that have been patched by vendors.
Google to pay for Chrome browser vulnerabilities
Google follows Mozilla's FireFox vulnerability reward program, offering a base reward of $500 for eligible browser bugs.

RELATED GLOSSARY TERMS
Terms from Whatis.com − the technology online dictionary
cache cramming  (SearchSecurity.com)
cache poisoning  (SearchSecurity.com)




Get More browser hijacker Answers
TechTarget Security Media
Information Security View this month\\'s issue and subscribe today.
Information Security Decisions Apply online for free conference admission.
SearchSecurity.com
HomeNewsMagazineMultimediaWhite PapersLearningAdviceTopicsEventsAbout Us

About Us  |  Contact Us  |  For Advertisers  |  For Business Partners  |  Site Index  |  RSS
TechTarget provides technology professionals with the information they need to perform their jobs - from developing strategy, to making cost-effective purchase decisions and managing their organizations' technology projects - with its network of technology-specific websites, events and online magazines.

TechTarget Corporate Web Site  |  Media Kits  |  Site Map




All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2003 - 2010, TechTarget | Read our Privacy Policy
  TechTarget - The IT Media ROI Experts