Sometimes the malware package is bundled within the software program itself, but another common tactic is to trick people into allowing additional downloads when they accept a site’s terms and conditions. Web browser hijackers are usually inadvertently downloaded while you install software that appears to be safe, such as browser toolbars or add-ons. Let’s look at how browser hijacking works, or you can skip down directly to our sections on browser hijacker removal and prevention. This kind of malicious software can also hijack your DNS settings, sending you unwittingly to corrupted sites and exposing you to further breaches that can compromise your privacy and data security.
In addition to meddling with your homepage or search engine preferences, hijackers can also clog up your browser with a torrent of annoying pop-up ads, slowing it down to a snail’s pace.