Browser hijackers live up to their title – they literally hijack your web browser by taking control of your computer. Browser hijackers, sometimes called “hijackware,” are considered to be a type of malware. Malware, or malicious software, encompasses a wide range of spyware, viruses, and worms.

Where a Browser Hijacker Starts
The most common place for a browser hijacker to appear is in a freeware download. The most ironic part is that the freeware will usually ask for your permission to install the hijacker in their fine print agreement. They disguise the hijacker, however, by calling it something that sounds less threatening.

Browser hijackers also find ways to get around through e-mail and other online downloadables. File-sharing programs are a big culprit when it comes to passing around worms, viruses, and browser hijackers. While these cutting-edge programs are incredibly useful and convenient, the birth of browser hijackers has made people more wary of using such resources.

So You Think You’ve Been Hijacked
There are a number of tell-tale signs that your computer has a acquired a browser hijacker. The main two symptoms include a loss of control in your browser settings and an increase in pop-ups. Browser hijackers have the ability to switch your default settings. Have you ever been surfing the web when suddenly you aren’t able to go to the website you typed into the search box? If so, you may have a browser hijacker. Browser hijackers are able to automatically redirect you to different websites for which you probably have no interest. In addition, browser hijackers can also prevent you from visiting certain sites.

Sometimes these problems can be remedied by simply changing your settings back to what they were before. However, some browser hijackers reset the default settings on your hard drive, so they will go right back to where they were when you reboot your computer.

Popups are another sign that you may have a browser hijacker. Hackers seem to especially enjoy distributing browser hijackers that create pornographic pop-ups. These popups are not only annoying, they can also be dangerous to the health of your computer.

Browser hijackers oftentimes significantly slow down the computers they infect. This can come in the form of an invisible invasion or such a high number of pop-ups that the system is rendered useless.

Avoiding Browser Hijackers
One way to stay away from browser hijackers is to begin using a web browser other than Internet Explorer. Most browser hijackers are written by hackers to only be compatible with Internet Explorer. Therefore, if you change your browser, you might stop experiencing the never-ending barrage of pop-up advertisements.

Installing antispyware software is another great way to protect your computer from the myriad of sinister threats your system will encounter in the big bad online world. A good antispyware program will knock out every type of spyware and browser hijacker that lurks on your system. Be sure to choose a product that offers 100% protection. Also. keep in mind that you will want software that not only detects current spyware and destroys it but also prevents new spyware from making an appearance on your computer.

Browser hijackers can be a major problem. Lucky for all computer users, there are ways to combat them. Use common sense when surfing the web and install antispyware software, and you’ll be able to rest easy.