Many users are experiencing browser hijacks, where their usual Google searches are redirected to Yahoo or their browser homepage changes unexpectedly. This behaviour is often caused by unwanted or malicious software, according to experts at Which? Tech Support.
Technical support adviser Conor Houlihan notes that potentially unwanted browsers such as OneBrowser, Wave Browser, Pulse Browser, and epibrowser are particularly common. These programs are frequently bundled with free downloads like PDF editors or file converters, meaning users might not realise they have been installed.
Warning signs of a browser hijack include changes to your default search engine or homepage, unexpected adverts and pop-ups, or browser settings reverting after being changed. Simply switching your search engine back may not solve the problem if the unwanted program remains installed.
To address a browser hijack, users should first check their computer for unfamiliar or recently installed software and uninstall it. After removing the unwanted program, a full antivirus scan is recommended. Finally, the affected web browser should be reset to its original default settings to undo any changes made by the unwanted software.