have the ability to change Web browser settings, redirect Web searches to ‘pay-per-search’ websites, redirect mistyped or incomplete URLs, and change the default home page.

Browser hijackers can take control of your web browser. They may alter your browser settings or change your default home page to point to some other site and they are capable of sending personal information to third-parties. They may not be detected by firewall software as they are capable of appearing as part of IE itself. Due to the variety of functions a browser hijacker can possess, it can be categorized as a Trojan.

malicious software that redirects your homepage or your browser searches to other sites