About:Blank Hijackers are the mostproblematic browser hijackers currently on the Net. Tactics include usingrandom names and multiple dlls that can replace each other when deleted, makingit extremely difficult to locate and permanently remove all about:blankhijacker components. These programs are constantly being upgraded to stay aheadof the spyware removal programs that detect and remove them. They are worsethan viruses in that respect. If your web browser always opens about:blank asits home page (aka start page) and you can't permanently change it using'Tools > Internet Options', then a browser hijacker is the most likely causeof your about:blank problem.
Love Letter Worm
The Love Letter Worm is anotherculprit for changing your web browser's home page to about:blank. Worms andviruses tend to be very distructive and can travel between computers byself-replication using various communications links. The main differencebetween worms and viruses is that worms replace files whereas viruses insertthemselves into files. The Love Letter Worm can be removed by any up-to-dateanti-virus program.
What is a Browser Hijacker?
Browser hijacker is a term used forinsidious programs that usually install without your knowledge and changeyour web browser's homepage to some web portal or fake search engine (e.gQuick Web Search, Search The Web etc). It will prevent you from changing thehomepage yourself or if it does it will just change it back some time later. Itcan also add new sites to your IE favorites, change search settings, install anadware browser toolbar and send you popup ads. The owners and affiliates ofbrowser hijackers earn income from the advertisements displayed on infectedPCs. Everytime you click through to a website from your hijacked homepage youearn income for them. To resolve this problem and return your system to normalit's important to thoroughly clean your system of spyware using a spywareremoval tool.
What is Spyware?
Spyware is a term used forsoftware that performs certain functions such as advertising, capturing andtransmitting personal information or changing the configuration of your webbrowser or PC without your knowledge and permission. It often stealthinstalls without your knowledge, maybe packaged with another program youinstalled intentionally. Spyware often resists removal attempts effectivelymaking you a virtual prisoner. One or more of the following behaviors are goodindicatations of a spyware infection:
- You see pop-up ads even when you're not on the Web.
- Your web browser's home page and/or search settings have changed without your knowledge, and you can't change them back (e.g. about:blank hijacker).
- A new toolbar or search bar has appeared on your web browser that you didn't want, and you can't remove it.
- Your PC is running slower than ever since your CPU is so busy running spyware programs.
- Your PC keeps crashing.
Activities associated with spywarebrowser hijackers are now prohibited by a bill approved by the US House ofRepresentatives: