Difference between revisions of "Browser Exploit"
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| − | A Browser Exploit, | + | A Browser Exploit, known as "browser hijacking" or a "drive-by download", is a form of [[Malware]] that takes advantage of a vulnerability in operating systems or software with the intent to alter your browser settings without your knowledge. |
== Symptoms of Browser Exploits and Browser Hijacking == | == Symptoms of Browser Exploits and Browser Hijacking == | ||
| − | Usually Browser Exploits don't harm your data or spread themselves through email, | + | Usually Browser Exploits don't harm your data or spread themselves through email, though hijacks make your computer vulnerable to other attacks: |
* Your homepage, search page or favorites have been altered | * Your homepage, search page or favorites have been altered | ||
| − | * | + | * Internet settings have been changed |
* Access is blocked to certain functions or websites | * Access is blocked to certain functions or websites | ||
| − | * Redirection of incorrectly typed URL prefixes ( | + | * Redirection of incorrectly typed URL prefixes (i.e. you type the wrong address or extension and you get redirected to a porn site) |
== Protecting your computer from Browser Exploits == | == Protecting your computer from Browser Exploits == | ||
| − | Some ways to protect your browser and computer from Browser Exploits are: | + | Some ways to protect your browser and computer from Browser Exploits are: |
| − | * | + | * Use a firewall to protect your computer from incoming attacks and programs that try to transmit data from your computer |
| − | * Keep your | + | * Keep your software and hardware updated |
* Never accept files from someone you don't know | * Never accept files from someone you don't know | ||
* Don't open email attachments from unknown or unexpected sources | * Don't open email attachments from unknown or unexpected sources | ||
| Line 24: | Line 24: | ||
* Disable ActiveX, Java and JavaScript objects if possible | * Disable ActiveX, Java and JavaScript objects if possible | ||
* Consult [[Scorecard|WOT's website reputation scorecard]] for more information on unknown sites | * Consult [[Scorecard|WOT's website reputation scorecard]] for more information on unknown sites | ||
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| + | == Source == | ||
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| + | The source can be found [http://www.mywot.com/en/online-threats/browser-exploits here.] | ||
Revision as of 10:54, 19 February 2012
A Browser Exploit, known as "browser hijacking" or a "drive-by download", is a form of Malware that takes advantage of a vulnerability in operating systems or software with the intent to alter your browser settings without your knowledge.
Symptoms of Browser Exploits and Browser Hijacking
Usually Browser Exploits don't harm your data or spread themselves through email, though hijacks make your computer vulnerable to other attacks:
- Your homepage, search page or favorites have been altered
- Internet settings have been changed
- Access is blocked to certain functions or websites
- Redirection of incorrectly typed URL prefixes (i.e. you type the wrong address or extension and you get redirected to a porn site)
Protecting your computer from Browser Exploits
Some ways to protect your browser and computer from Browser Exploits are:
- Use a firewall to protect your computer from incoming attacks and programs that try to transmit data from your computer
- Keep your software and hardware updated
- Never accept files from someone you don't know
- Don't open email attachments from unknown or unexpected sources
- Use caution when downloading files
- Scan downloaded software before executing
- Disable ActiveX, Java and JavaScript objects if possible
- Consult WOT's website reputation scorecard for more information on unknown sites
Source
The source can be found here.
