WHAT IS BROWSER HIJACKING & HOW TO STOP THEM

 

WHAT IS BROWSER HIJACKING & HOW TO STOP THEM

Many of the main security problems that affect our devices come through the browser. After all, it is one of the main software-level tools that we use to connect to the network. We can visit many websites, make use of extensions and add-ons, enter platforms. Not everything is safe and that is something we must take into account. In this article we are going to explain how they can hijack our browser and what we can do to avoid it. It is one among the foremost dangerous problems we face.

How They Can Hijack The Browser?

This is something that can affect any browser that we are using. We already know that there are many options that we have at our disposal, many varieties available for all types of devices and operating systems. However, in all cases, security problems may arise that affect us.

By hijacking the browser we mean achieving control of it. To be ready to access the knowledge we store (user names, passwords, browsing history), also as modify connections, change the house page, control the installed extensions. In short, have control over the browser to be able to carry out attacks such as information theft.

We can recognize that our browser has been hijacked through changes in the design, such as seeing that additional bars have been added, the default search engine has been changed, we have extensions installed that we do not know, etc.

Now, how does this happen? The truth is that there is no single reason, but there are different types of attacks, vulnerabilities and threats that can end in the hijacking of the browser.

Fraudulent Extensions

One of the causes of browser hijacking is the use of fraudulent add - ons. We already know that we have a large number of extensions at our disposal. Many types of accessories that can help us in our day to day life and that are useful.

Now, confine mind that not all extensions are getting to be secure. We can come across add-ons designed in a malicious way and that can compromise our system.

Malware on the System

Of course, malware on the system is something basic and it can also pose a problem for the browser. It can be the gateway to many other varieties of malicious software, as well as giving hackers full control.

There are many sorts of viruses and malware generally which will infect our systems. This is something that affects all types of devices and that we must take into account.

Vulnerabilities in the Browser

It can also be due to security flaws present in the browser itself. On many occasions, vulnerabilities arise that can be exploited by hackers to attack.

These security flaws are corrected through patches and updates. That makes it essential to always have the latest versions.

Visit Malicious Pages

Another important source of entry for threats of this type that lead to browser hijacking is visiting malicious pages. There are many sites on the web and not all of them are safe. We may come across pages that are actually a fraud and that are designed to attack. A legitimate site may even have been the victim of an attack.

How to Avoid Browser Hijacking

Luckily we can take into account a series of important tips to avoid browser hijacking. The objective is to avoid problems and make sure that our browser always works well, without interference from possible intruders.

Common sense

Without a doubt one among the keys goes to be sense. In most cases the attacks come after some carelessness of the user, having downloaded some malicious software or opened a dangerous link.

It is very important that we take care of our navigation, that we do not make mistakes as we have commented and always keep common sense in mind.

Security tools

It is also vital to possess security tools in our system. This is something that we must apply no matter the sort of device or OS that we are using. It is one of the best ways to prevent the entry of threats.

We can even take into account the possibility of having security extensions. Browsers have add-ons that help us avoid threats.

Update systems and the browser itself

Sometimes the attacks can come from using an outdated system. It may even be that our browser features a vulnerability that would be exploited. Our advice in this regard is to always have the latest versions and patches available with the latest antivirus software installed.

Install only from official sources

As we have indicated, there are many extensions that we can install in our browser. Now, you have to keep in mind the importance of always downloading them from official and legitimate sources. Avoid doing it from third-party sites which will be a drag.