Open your browser, and suddenly:
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Your homepage is changed
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Your search redirects through a strange engine
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Ads pop up before any site loads
Welcome to the world of browser hijackers —
and luckily, it’s not hard to fight back.
✅ 1. What is a browser hijacker?
A browser hijacker is a program or extension that:
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Changes your homepage or default search engine
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Redirects traffic through ad-supported pages
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Tracks your browsing behavior
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Installs itself as a legitimate add-on or “helper”
Often, it disguises itself as:
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Free PDF tools
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“Speed boosters”
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“Safe search” extensions
✅ 2. How do they get installed?
Hijackers often ride along with:
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Free software bundles
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Fake antivirus tools
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Pop-up “browser update” messages
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Infected Chrome/Edge/Firefox extensions
✅ They’re not always detected as viruses — but they’re still dangerous.
✅ 3. Symptoms of browser hijacking
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Homepage or new tab opens an unfamiliar site
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You’re forced to use a new search engine
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Frequent ads or popups, even on safe sites
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Slow browser performance
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Extension settings keep resetting
✅ 4. How to remove them (Windows/macOS)
Step 1: Uninstall suspicious apps
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Go to Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall
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Look for recently added unknown apps
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Remove them one by one
Step 2: Reset your browser
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Chrome: Settings → Reset settings → Restore to default
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Firefox: Help → Troubleshoot Mode → Refresh Firefox
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Edge: Settings → Reset settings → Restore settings to default
Step 3: Remove malicious extensions
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Go to Extensions menu
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Delete anything unfamiliar or recently added
Step 4: Scan with anti-malware
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Malwarebytes or HitmanPro are great at cleaning browser junk
✅ 5. Stay protected going forward
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Don’t download browser add-ons from pop-ups or unknown sources
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Use official extension stores only (Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons)
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Review permissions before installing any extension
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Avoid download sites with fake “Download Now” buttons
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Consider browser-based protection like Bitdefender TrafficLight or Avast Online Security
Key points to remember
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Hijackers are annoying but removable
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Resetting your browser and removing extensions usually fixes it
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Use anti-malware tools to catch hidden background processes
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Prevent future infections with cautious browsing and trusted sources
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Keep your browser clean = keep your privacy intact