WHAT IS BROWSER HIJACKING?
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 will explain how they can hijack our browser and what we can do to avoid it. It is one of the most 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 available to us, 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 able to access the information we store (user names, passwords, browsing
history), as well as modify connections, change the home page, and control the
installed extensions. In short, have control over the browser to be able to
carry out attacks such 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
and that are useful.
Now, it must be borne in mind that not all extensions are
going 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
that can also pose a problem for the browser. It can be the gateway for many
other varieties of malicious software, as well as giving hackers full control.
There are many types of viruses and malware in general that
can 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 Internet 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 ensure that
our browser always works well, without interference from possible intruders.
Common
sense
Without a doubt one of the keys is going to be common sense.
In most cases the attacks arrive after some carelessness by the user, having
downloaded some malicious software or opened some dangerous link.
It is very important that we take care of our navigation,
that we do not make mistakes as we have commented and that we always keep
common sense in mind.
Security
tools
It is also vital to have antivirus software and security tools in our system. This
is something that we must apply regardless of the type of device or operating
system 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 also be that our browser has a vulnerability that could be
exploited. Our advice in this regard is to always have the latest versions of
antivirus and patches available.
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 that may be a problem.
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