Browser redirects
 

Hello one and all, I wonder if anyone can shed any light on a murky topic for me, I,m using Mozilla, and recently was sure that my browser was redirected to an unwanted site, this started happening more frequently,after googling, this left me with more confusion about java script etc.. which is a LONG way over my head/knowledge(Not too hard i might add)
is there a way to protect yourself against this?? I have ad-aware, anti virus, ZAlarm anti spyware etc.. this didnt stop redirects, or find any nasties, ran spybot then uninstalled, it didnt find anything, so ended up ghosting , because eventually couldn't even get to google,can anyone suggest a way of protecting against this. Any help would be much appreciated.(Serves me right really,I should watch where i'm treading !!)
Newbee2

The only answer I'm aware of is to get a mac computer so it's a life without bugs, viruses, influenzes, spyweary, rocket attacks, etc.

If you're refering to LW redirects, then it should no longer happen with 4.12 +

Otherwise see both (1) Direct instructions to eliminate porn from results, ______ (2) Sponsored Results (click on link)

Thanks lotr, no I wasn't referring to Limewire, just web use, I,m busy training my junk filter at the moment, what an unruly pup ! just wont use it's dirt tray !
also still battling with partial downloads, multiple attempts to upload files by same persons, how do they do that! other than that LWire is a joy,and always interesting! the browser problem is the first time this has happened to me, and quite scary, perehaps i'll come across a mac, or someone with direct expierience and a protection, is that right there is nothing?
Anyway thanks again,fingers crossed etc,,
N2

Browser Redirects
 

Newbee2

One of the problems I have found when a browser has been contaminated or "jacked", as yours has, is that most of the anti-spyware and clean up apps, such as Ad-Aware, will only work with Inetrnet Explorer. Other browsers, such as Opera, Mozilla, etc., do not get a look in.

You see, I used to use Opera, as well as IE, but found that although both browsers got contaminated with spyware cookies I could only effectively get IE cleaned up.

All I can suggest, at this time, is to contact Mozilla directly and ask for their advice. Once you have your browser cleaned then install SpywareBlaster (Free) to prevent further contamination. Here's the URL: http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

Unfortunately, SpywareBlaster can protect your browser from being infected with ad and spyware but cannot clean a browser after contamination.

Hope this helps



UK Bob (aka Shark Chum)

browser redirects(Hijacking)
 

Thanks uk bob, good advice will try SB, and also contact mozilla, also thanks for info on browsers,didn't know only IE was cleaned, presumably these clumsy attempts at jacking are easily picked up, also presumably there must be more sophisticated ways out there that u may not spot? is this generally bad sites? or kids/bad hackers out playing on the net? and lastly is the freeware good enough or do I go the well trodden path of being forced to pay for so called ''Protection''as ''rock solid'' protection?
Thanks for info,interested in farther advice if poss,
Thanks, N2:)

Rock Solid Protection?
 

Newbee2

I will try and answer your question but I must say that my answers will purely be based on my own experience and knowledge I have picked up along the way.

Here we go, you asked:These attempts at "jacking" are usually paid for by dodgy internet advertising companies (*** sites) or criminals. The idea is to get you to spend your money and/or divulge your payment details to these criminals. Once they have your details they can "milk" you dry.

You also asked:You know newby Newbee2, I like your question because it does show that you are fairly inexperienced about PC protection. First, there is no such thing as "Rock Solid Protection" because if a determined hacker goes after your PC there is no protection or product, free or otherwise, that can stop him other than to turn your PC off.

However, most hackers will go after unprotected PCs because it's a lot easier and there are far more unprotected PCs out there than protected ones. For example, if you think of your own (non) knowledge about "protection" then that would be the norm amongst (thousands of) new PC users the world over.

OK, as for protection, I use a combination of free and paid for, e.g. my anti-virus, firewall, anti-secret installation and one of my three anti-spyware apps are paid for. While all my other protective software, about 6 of them, are free. So you see, I have a mix of free and paid for because no one or two apps can protect you from all the dangers and traps that are on the internet and on the P2P network.

Now, other forum members may think I am a bit paranoid but what you have to consider is that hacking, phising, pharming, Trojans, viruses, spyware, keyloggers, DDoS, Scams, etc are now run by international professional criminals, not just kids having fun, and all they want is easy (your) money.

Hope I have opened your eyes to the dangers that are out there.



UK Bob (aka Shark Chum)

hijacks,etc...
 

Many thanks uk bob, for excellent and informative reply, you are right I am inexpierienced with ''Protection'', I do have antivirus, but will now buy upgrade,I have some bought antispy(Maybe not enough, after this expierience)and thanks to you Spyware blaster,what exactly is anti secret installation ,phishing, and pharming, and DDos? I try not to venture too far into ''the jungle'' where viri lurk, but obviously need to build a few more walls. again many thanks for replies,very much appreciated,and which appliances do you need?
Newbee2:Smilywais:
PS. How can I check(after ghosting) that my browser is really clean? appliances that I have didn't pick up the hijack in the first place, any ideas on a ''Good'' one?

Newbee2

The best thing for you to do is download another copy of your browser, completely delete the one you now have, run your anti-spyware and anti-Virus apps again.

Finally, reinstall your browser from the compressed download.

Afterwards, get a firewall like ZoneAlarm.

Thanks uk bob, I did go to mozilla forums, lots of advice on different spy applications, but not many answers, general gist is that firefox is bulletproof,but your computer isn't ! I thought it was the browser that was hijacked ! And yes I have Zone Alarm already and a router firewall but whatever it was went through the lot like a knife through butter !!!!! through ad-aware through ZAlarm spyware, AVG,spybot etc.. all already installed, none picked it up. anyway ghosted back and started again, yet again! as I was so succinctly told ''Welcome to windows''
N2

Hacking for Dollars
 

Hi Newbee2

Yes, I agree "Welcome to Windows" indeed.

You know, a few weeks ago I was using LW and downloading a film clip, I waited until 10% of this clip was on my PC then I tried to preview it. Suddenly, my Norton Firewall warned me about an unauthorised cookie was trying to access my PC, my PG2 started to blink indicating that it had blocked an IP address (probably a bot), again, trying to gain access and finally something tried to open my IE6 browser failed and then tried again, also failing in it's second attemped.

In all my years of using and working on PCs this is the first time any thing like this had happened, i.e. a combination attack that bounced passed the inbuilt firewall in my modem/router, got stopped by NPF, got stopped again by PG2 but got enough of itself through to try and attack (or "jack") my IE browser.

After I realised what was happening, which was 10 or so seconds after the attack had started, I deleted this partial film clip. It's obvious to me that the whole clip must have had embedded Trojans or worms in order to give control of my PC to someone on the outside (or trying to steal my ID).

Anyway, here is a link to an article that may help you to understand the threats you face when you go on the internet or P2P network.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2064825,00.asp




UK Bob

Thanks uk bob, good article, scary though ! you are lucky that you were on sight and aware of '' Realtime'' things happening on your computer, if you had been getting a coffee ??? I havn't got PG2 as it wont install, but it sounds as if even that would have had it's hands full. There is obviously some pretty sharp and cleverly written stuff out there, which has no trouble getting past most defences, and that's the stuff we ''See'' or ghost back from !
Thanks for your help, very usefull,
N2.

PS. Have a great Christmas, Iv'e been dragged 'Kicking and screaming' away from my computer, stealth tactics will have to be employed !!:laugh_2: