Browser Hijack

[Randolph Kinney]

Aditya(Malwarebytes Support)

Apr 29, 05:18 PDT

Hello Randolph‍,

Welcome to Malwarebytes support, my name is Aditya and I'll be assisting you today with your ticket # 2301430
We offer our sincerest apologies for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience and for writing to us.

Those pop-ups really aren't caused by malware, so there's nothing for Malwarebytes to detect. If the pop-ups are repeatedly coming back, users need to pay attention to what site they're on when it happens and avoid that site.

The best solution is to get yourself a reputable ad blocker.

 

[lefty2cox]

It's definitely not on my computer. It's one of these ads that are on the site. I can't say which one though.

 

[spittman]

I don't believe ad blockers are allowed on here. When I had Adblock Plus activated, the site wouldn't let me browse until I deactivated it. But I'm not experiencing any hijacking since I deactivated my ad blocker. Don't think it's the ads anyways ... "per se".

Not exactly sure how it all works, but I have an INKLING that it has to do with Google which is built into just about everything now especially if you use Chrome, Gmail or have an Android phone. And it doesn't matter which device you are using because most Google users are synced across all platforms. This forum has a google custom search built right in it so I don't know how you're gonna get around that. As one digital security expert puts it, Google is 10 times worse that Facebook when it coming to collecting data. Imagine that.

I prefer Mozilla Firefox so maybe that helps me a little since I always had problems with Chrome and even Explorer. Aside from that, I don't use any virus/spyware protection other than Windows Defender. I found that when I did have Norton or Mcafee that I always got infected (I think those software are the biggest cons). Hadn't had any viruses or persistent malware in years since I removed Norton/McAfee years ago. Now I just keep Windows Defender updated and scan for adware every month using Malware Bytes and SuperAntispyware.

 

[Evincere]

I don't believe ad blockers are allowed on here.

Not exactly sure how it all works, but I have an INKLING that it has to do with Google which is built into just about everything now have an Android phone. And it doesn't matter which device you are using because most Google users are synced across all platforms. This forum has a google custom search built right in it so I don't know how you're gonna get around that. As one digital security expert puts it, Google is 10 times worse that Facebook when it coming

. I found that when I did have Norton or Mcafee that I always got infected (I think those software are the biggest cons). Hadn't had any viruses or persistent malware in years since I removed Norton/McAfee years ago. Now I just keep Windows Defender updated and scan for adware every month using Malware Bytes and SuperAntispyware.

Speaking of Mcafee

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gringo:_The_Dangerous_Life_of_John_McAfee

 

[spittman]

Speaking of Mcafee

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gringo:_The_Dangerous_Life_of_John_McAfee

I saw part of that towards the end or it may have been a different documentary. The story looks interesting.

 

[QWERTY Pi]

For a browser scan, use RogueKiller (by Aldice, I believe). Malwarebytes also has a browser scanner called AdWareCleaner (in addition to their MBAM real-time AV). HitManPro also works well.

As far as preventative measures, Raymond Hill’s uBlock Origin add-on (make sure to find uBlock ‘Origin’, as there’s a knock-off uBlock), might be the best Add-On ever. Familarize yourself with its Advanced Features. Globally block 3rd party scripts and frames. Don’t use Flash unless you absolutely must. UBlock Origin is available for FF and Chrome (was avail. for Safari but Apple pulled it this past week). uMatrix and NoScripts are also decent to block those gnarly 3rd party scripts which are the likely culprit for any browser hijacking. I recommend uninstalling your browser altogether and do a fresh install (use a tool like RevoUninstallerPro to rid your registry of unwanted remnants when uninstalling browser before reinstall). A RevoPro trial is free for 1 month.

 

[Mike Kennedy]

I hear you, but am saddened (genuinely) that such is your conclusion.
I see bad actors, but believe, in general, most people are honest or try to do the right thing.
Since we are waxing ancient history, one reason that Cicero is my avatar is because of his writings (on Ethics, Duties, Government, and on just plain everyday life).
In a letter to his son, his advice was effectively this:

While it may seem advantageous and expedient in the short term to do the wrong thing, it is never so.
While it may seem disadvantageous and destructive in the short term to do the right thing, it is never so.
The actions we take, in the belief that they will benefit us but are the wrong actions, are never beneficial.
The actions we take, if they are the right actions, are always beneficial regardless of the immediate consequences.​

He was far from perfect and made many mistakes. But his advice to his son is timeless.

Cicero Jr. "Hey Pop I've decided to become a Real Estate Appraiser!!"

Pop: "become a lawyer - they make $$$$$ regardless of whether they lose or win - they win, every time a carrier pigeon arrives with a letter - they get paid to read it, when they travel to Athens or Rome the entire trip and all expenses are paid for in advance by their client$$$.