June 2020 Security Awareness
Browser Hi-Jacking
This happens when a hacker installs unwanted software that modifies a web browser’s setting without your permission. These attacks are meant to either direct you to a malicious web page or lure you into letting someone remote into your computer (fake support request).
Signs of browser hi-jacking:
- Unwanted ads displayed as a popup window.
- Homepage changed to a different web page.
- Additional toolbars added to the the browser.
- Extremely slow loading pages.
- Default search engine changed.
Preventing browser hi-jacking.
- Don’t click on suspicious links in emails or browser windows.
- Don’t install software you don’t trust, and even if you trust the software, watch for additional adware being installed (see image below).
- Ensure you have current anti-virus/anti-malware installed.
If you suspect that your browser has been hi-jacked.
- Exit all programs and restart your system.
- Try an adware cleaner like https://www.malwarebytes.com/adwcleaner/
- Contact your IT Dept or Northern Computer for assistance.
Example of Software install ready to install adware.
Examples of Adware or Browser Hi-Jacking.
