A Browser Hijacker is any technique that enables remote control of a user's browser in an invasive manner. Scripting capabilities built into browsers enable Web site developers to control site visitors' browsers. Scripts support such functionality as interacting with other Web page content, accessing URLs, opening new windows and moving windows. Malicious scripts can abuse these privileges by opening many windows, taking the user to unwanted, potentially offensive sites, adding bookmarks without authorization and monitoring the user's browsing habits. Browser Hijackers often incorporate malicious ActiveX controls. Most Browser Hijackers generate revenue for hackers by changing users' default homepages and search pages to pages owned by their customers, who get Web traffic from users' redirected searches. Computer hackers are not concerned with the computer resources their programs use. Poorly coded Browser Hijackers can degrade computer performance and even cause system crashes. |