Browser hijackers are a type of malware designed to take control of your web browser’s settings, often redirecting users to unwanted websites or displaying intrusive advertisements. Unlike traditional malware that may attempt to steal sensitive information or damage files, browser hijackers primarily focus on manipulating your web browsing experience. This category of malware can disrupt your browsing habits, compromise your privacy, and introduce you to potentially harmful content.
General Characteristics and Threats
Purpose and Infiltration: The primary objective of browser hijackers is to redirect your web traffic to certain websites or promote specific products and services. They typically infiltrate systems through bundled software installations, where the hijacker is hidden within a seemingly legitimate application. Once installed, the hijacker alters browser settings such as the homepage, default search engine, and new tab page.
Threat to the System and Individual: While not as destructive as some types of malware, browser hijackers can still pose significant risks. They can degrade system performance, increase the frequency of pop-up ads, and make it difficult for users to restore their original browser settings. More critically, these hijackers can expose users to phishing sites and potentially malicious content.
Adware vs. Browser Hijackers: Adware is primarily focused on delivering unwanted advertisements, which can be annoying but generally do not affect browser settings. Browser hijackers, on the other hand, specifically alter browser configurations and redirect users to particular websites. While both can be intrusive, hijackers tend to have a broader impact on the user’s browsing experience.
Bookmark-Start Browser Hijacker
Overview: One such browser hijacker is the Bookmark-Start browser hijacker. This malicious software is designed to modify your browser’s settings without your consent, typically to direct traffic to promotional websites.
Functionality and Installation: Bookmark-Start often infiltrates systems via software bundles, where users might inadvertently install it while downloading other programs. Once installed, it changes browser settings, including the homepage and default search engine, to promote certain websites. The hijacker might also inject unwanted ads and redirect you to dubious sites.
Detrimental Consequences: The Bookmark-Start browser hijacker can cause several issues. It may slow down your browser, inundate you with unwanted ads, and compromise your browsing privacy. Furthermore, it can lead to security vulnerabilities by redirecting you to potentially harmful or phishing sites.
Nature and Promotion: Bookmark-Start is designed to boost traffic to specific websites through forced redirections and ads. These sites are often promotional in nature and might not always be reputable.
Detection Names
Anti-malware programs often use specific names to identify browser hijackers like Bookmark-Start. Common detection names include:
- PUP.Optional.BookmarkStart
- Adware.BookmarkStart
- BrowserHijacker.BookmarkStart
If you encounter any of these terms during a system scan, it indicates the presence of the Bookmark-Start hijacker.
Similar Threats
Users should be aware of other similar threats, such as:
- Search-Manager: Alters browser search settings and redirects.
- MySearch-Page: Modifies search engines and homepage settings.
- CoolWebSearch: A notorious hijacker that changes browser settings and installs unwanted toolbars.
Removal Guide
Here’s a step-by-step guide to remove the Bookmark-Start browser hijacker:
- Uninstall Suspicious Programs:
- Windows 10/11:
- Open the Start Menu and select Settings.
- Navigate to Apps and then Apps & features.
- Look for any unfamiliar or suspicious programs related to Bookmark-Start.
- Click on the program and select Uninstall.
- Windows 10/11:
- Remove Extensions from Browser:
- Google Chrome:
- Open Chrome and click on the three vertical dots (menu) in the top-right corner.
- Go to More tools > Extensions.
- Find any extensions related to Bookmark-Start and click Remove.
- Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Firefox and click on the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top-right corner.
- Go to Add-ons and themes > Extensions.
- Locate and remove any suspicious extensions.
- Microsoft Edge:
- Open Edge and click on the three horizontal dots (menu) in the top-right corner.
- Select Extensions.
- Find and remove any related extensions.
- Google Chrome:
- Reset Browser Settings:
- Google Chrome:
- Open Chrome, go to the menu, and select Settings.
- Scroll down and click Advanced.
- Under Reset and clean up, click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Firefox and click the menu button.
- Go to Help > Troubleshooting Information.
- Click Refresh Firefox.
- Microsoft Edge:
- Open Edge and go to Settings.
- Click Reset settings > Restore settings to their default values.
- Google Chrome:
- Run a Full System Scan: Use a reputable anti-malware tool to perform a comprehensive system scan. This will help ensure that any remnants of the hijacker are removed.
- Clear Browser Cache and Cookies:
- Google Chrome:
- Go to Settings > Privacy and security.
- Click Clear browsing data and select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
- Mozilla Firefox:
- Go to Options > Privacy & Security.
- Under Cookies and Site Data, click Clear Data.
- Microsoft Edge:
- Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear and select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
- Google Chrome:
Prevention Tips
To avoid future infections:
- Be Cautious with Downloads: Only download software from reputable sources and avoid bundled software.
- Keep Software Updated: Ensure your operating system and applications are up-to-date with the latest security patches.
- Use a Reliable Anti-Malware Tool: Regularly scan your system with a trusted anti-malware program.
- Check Browser Extensions: Regularly review and manage installed browser extensions.
