My browser’s been Hijacked!

Suddenly, your browser’s home page has been changed, and maybe other changes made in the way it works.   What happened?

You’ve been hijacked.

Maybe it’s some site you (or somebody else who uses the computer) went to, maybe it’s some piece of software you thought was safe that had a sneaky little change hidden in it, or maybe you didn’t notice that little check box that offered to make the changes when you got the update to something you normally use.  Any number of things might be the cause.

Internet Fixes has a list of possible causes and fixes.

Spyware fighters

You should run one or more programs like these every so often, to check for spyware.

AdAware is freeware to detect and remove spyware (software that reports back to somebody on what you’re doing and other things). Recommended by PC Annoyances

Spybot is freeware to find and remove spyware. Supports IE, Netscape, Opera. Recommended by PC Annoyances

“For individuals, Sunbelt Software CounterSpy 1.0 (left, $20) is now the most effective remover of spyware, according to PC World. When used with the free HijackThis program, PC World says the two apps caught 100% of the spyware used in its testing.” — Windows Secrets

AVG Anti-Spy (formerly called Ewido) has a free and a paid version (the free version just has fewer features but protects as well, and you’ll need to manually update it). This is a good anti-spy and anti-trojan program to backup your anti-virus software. Recommended by Gizmo’s Tech Support Alert.

Spyware Warrior tracks the fakes

Spyware detectors that are actually spyware themselves? How sneaky can they get?!

SpywareWarrior lists suspect programs, including those that actually claim to be anti-spyware themselves! Also compares legitimate antispyware software.  A very useful website!