Browser Hijacking
Browser hijacking is the modification of a web browser's settings. The
term "hijacking" is used as the changes are performed without the user's
permission. A browser hijacker may replace the existing home page,
error page, or search page with its own.
These are generally used to force hits to a particular website,
increasing its advertising revenue.
Some browser hijacking can
be easily reversed, while other instances may be difficult to reverse.
Various software packages exist to prevent such modification.
The homepages that are set by hijackers are often search paths and many
of these programs are spyware programs that track personal data.
Most installers will give users the opportunity to accept or decline an
offer to install a hijacker; however, the request to decline the offer
is often ignored or presented in a very confusing manner. This is done
for the sole reason of tricking users into installing excessive
bloatware and malware.
