Total Networks

You’ve been hijacked!

Have you ever opened your web browser and noticed it looked different? Or performed a Google search only to have a dozen ads pop up or to be redirected to a strange URL?

You may have been the victim of browser hijacking.

Browser hijacking is when malware takes control of your browser and changes its settings without your consent. While this may seem innocuous, the consequences can be serious. Your browser is the gateway to the internet. A compromised browser can be the entry point for cybercriminals to steal sensitive company data, capture login credentials, or launch wider network attacks.

How Does a Browser Hijacker Gain Access to Your System?

Browser hijacking malware can enter your system in several ways, often when you click on a malicious link or accidentally download infected files. Common risks include clicking on pop-up ads, downloading free software from unverified sources, and installing browser extensions from unknown publishers.

How to Tell If Your Browser Has Been Hijacked

Warning signs of browser hijacking include:

• Your homepage or default search engine changes unexpectedly.

• Clicking a link opens multiple, unrelated tabs or windows

• You are suddenly bombarded with pop-up ads

• New toolbars or extensions appear in your browser without your permission

How to Safeguard Against Browser Hijacking

Protecting your browser requires both strong tools and smart habits. A good anti-malware software program is one way to protect your browser from being hijacked. Firewalls can also help, as they restrict access to suspicious sites.

Beyond these tools, you also need to follow basic cybersecurity best practices, such as not opening suspicious emails, not downloading attachments without scanning them with the antivirus software on your computer, and not installing any software program unless you are 100% sure of its authenticity. Stay vigilant and be cautious when clicking links in emails or on the web.

Remember, while browser hijacking might seem like just a nuisance, it could turn out to be much more than that. It could be a big threat to your data security.

At Total Networks, we help businesses reduce the risk of browser hijacking through proactive security tools, managed updates, and employee training—because prevention is always easier (and less expensive) than recovery.