Online security is paramount in this digital age. Our reliance on web browsers, particularly Google Chrome, for various activities makes them an attractive target for malicious hackers.
Chrome hijacking is a menace that every user should be vigilant about. In this article, we explore preventive measures against Chrome hijacking.
Understanding Chrome Hijacking
Before delving into preventive measures, it’s imperative to understand what Chrome hijacking entails. It refers to unauthorized alterations to Chrome’s settings by malware or unwanted software.
Typically, this results in changes to your homepage, search engine, or the installation of unwanted extensions and toolbars.
These alterations can lead to performance issues, security vulnerabilities, and privacy invasion, making it necessary to take steps to avoid any Chrome hijack issues.
Keep Your Browser and OS Updated
One of the best defenses against Chrome hijacking is ensuring that both your browser and operating system are up-to-date. Chrome usually updates automatically but double-checking never hurts.
Navigate to the three dots on the upper right corner of Chrome, click on “Help”, and then “About Google Chrome” to see if your browser is current.
Update Other Software
Ensure that all the software on your system is updated regularly. Old software often has vulnerabilities that can be exploited to inject malicious code.
Be Wary of Extensions and Plugins
Extensions and plugins can enhance your browsing experience. However, they can also be a conduit for Chrome hijacking.
Install from Trusted Sources
Only install extensions from the Chrome Web Store or other trusted sources. Before installing, check the reviews and permissions the extension requests. If something looks fishy, it probably is.
Regularly Audit Extensions
Make it a habit to go through the extensions you have installed and remove any that you don’t use or find suspicious.
Use Strong and Unique Passwords
Your Google account is tied to Chrome, and gaining access to it can be an open invitation for hijackers. So make sure you set strong passwords for your accounts.
Password Managers
Utilize a password manager to create and store strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. A password managers is an effective tool for managing and securing online accounts, allowing users to generate and store strong, unique passwords for each service they use, minimizing the risk of credential reuse.
They not only enhance security but also offer convenience, as they can automatically fill in your login information, eliminating the need to remember numerous complex passwords.
Embrace 2FA & similar security measures
Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for all the accounts that are important to you. 2FA requires you to provide two different types of information to access an online account, significantly enhancing the protection against unauthorized access.
It usually consists of something you know, such as a password, and something you have, like a security key or a smartphone.
Security keys are physical devices that generate unique codes or use biometric data, and when plugged into a device or connected via Bluetooth, serve as a robust second factor in the authentication process.
On the other hand, authenticator apps generate time-sensitive codes on your smartphone, which must be entered after your password for successful log-in. Both security keys and authenticators add an extra layer of protection.
This makes it difficult for hackers to gain access to your online accounts even if they’ve managed to steal or guess your password.
While 2FA is a powerful security tool, it can still be vulnerable to phishing attacks, man-in-the-middle schemes, and other sophisticated hacking strategies.
Authenticator apps, while generally safe, can still be compromised if the device on which they’re installed is infected with malware.
This is where security keys hold an advantage: because they’re separate physical devices, they’re less susceptible to common hacking techniques. Some even protect against phishing.
Don’t Click on Fishy Links or Visit Untrusted Domains
When you see a link that looks fishy, don’t click on it. If there’s no “https://” at that start of the URL or if it looks like a deliberately misspelled domain (such as Wikipeedia.com instead of Wikipedia.com), those are red flags.
And definitely don’t download any content from such sites.
Antivirus & Anti-malware software
Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware programs. Make sure they are set to update automatically and perform regular scans.
Browser Security Tools
Some security software companies offer browser-specific tools that can help protect against Chrome hijacking. These tools often include features that block malicious websites, ads, and trackers.
Backup and Recovery Plan
In the event that your Chrome browser has been hijacked despite taking preventive measures, it is crucial to have a backup and recovery plan.
Create a Recovery Disk
Creating a recovery disk for your operating system is like preparing a lifeboat for your computer.
It’s a disk you burn with an image of your system in a clean state, which you can use to restore your computer if it gets compromised.
You can usually create one through built-in utilities in your OS, such as Windows’ Recovery Media Creator or MacOS’s Disk Utility.
Regularly Back Up Your Data
Meanwhile, regular backups of your data ensure that, if your browser gets hijacked or any other issues occur, you’ll still have access to all your important files.
Implementing a regular backup schedule, such as weekly or daily, can save you from losing important documents or treasured memories, and it’s often as simple as using a built-in tool on your computer or an external cloud-based service.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chrome browser hijacking is a serious issue that requires active prevention measures.
Implementing robust security practices such as two-factor authentication, using a password manager, and keeping regular backups of data can significantly reduce the risks.
Through diligent attention to these measures, you can better safeguard your browsing experience and protect your valuable data from potential threats.
