About:Blank Hijackers are the most
problematic browser hijackers currently on the Net. Tactics include using
random names and multiple dlls that can replace each other when deleted, making
it extremely difficult to locate and permanently remove all about:blank
hijacker components. These programs are constantly being upgraded to stay ahead
of the spyware removal programs that detect and remove them. They are worse
than viruses in that respect. If your web browser always opens about:blank as
its home page (aka start page) and you can't permanently change it using
'Tools > Internet Options', then a browser hijacker is the most likely cause
of your about:blank problem.
Love Letter Worm
The Love Letter Worm is another
culprit for changing your web browser's home page to about:blank. Worms and
viruses tend to be very distructive and can travel between computers by
self-replication using various communications links. The main difference
between worms and viruses is that worms replace files whereas viruses insert
themselves into files. The Love Letter Worm can be removed by any up-to-date
anti-virus program.
What is a Browser Hijacker?
Browser hijacker is a term used for
insidious programs that usually install without your knowledge and change
your web browser's homepage to some web portal or fake search engine (e.g
Quick Web Search, Search The Web etc). It will prevent you from changing the
homepage yourself or if it does it will just change it back some time later. It
can also add new sites to your IE favorites, change search settings, install an
adware browser toolbar and send you popup ads. The owners and affiliates of
browser hijackers earn income from the advertisements displayed on infected
PCs. Everytime you click through to a website from your hijacked homepage you
earn income for them. To resolve this problem and return your system to normal
it's important to thoroughly clean your system of spyware using a spyware
removal tool.
What is Spyware?
Spyware is a term used for
software that performs certain functions such as advertising, capturing and
transmitting personal information or changing the configuration of your web
browser or PC without your knowledge and permission. It often stealth
installs without your knowledge, maybe packaged with another program you
installed intentionally. Spyware often resists removal attempts effectively
making you a virtual prisoner. One or more of the following behaviors are good
indicatations of a spyware infection:
- You
see pop-up ads even when you're not on the Web.
- Your
web browser's home page and/or search settings have changed without your
knowledge, and you can't change them back (e.g. about:blank hijacker).
- A
new toolbar or search bar has appeared on your web browser that you didn't
want, and you can't remove it.
- Your
PC is running slower than ever since your CPU is so busy running spyware
programs.
- Your
PC keeps crashing.
Activities associated with spyware
browser hijackers are now prohibited by a bill approved by the US House of
Representatives: