BHO/Toolbar/Search Hijacker/Alexa

Alias: Adware/Alexa-Toolbar, Alexa Toolbar

Description: BHO/Toolbar/Search Hijacker/Alexa combines the Google search engine with Alexa's comprehensive site information and puts it all inside an Amazon.com interface. BHO/Toolbar/Search Hijacker/Alexa has a very clear EULA, but users should understand that their surfing habits will be anonymously aggregated.

Threat type:

BHO - A Browser Helper Object (BHO) is a software application that runs automatically whenever you start Internet Explorer. Browser Helper Objects are typically installed by other programs such as toolbar accessories and can track internet usage, create popup windows, display additional information on a viewed page and collect information that is transmitted by you over the internet. Malicious software that exploits this technology can replace banner advertisements with other ads, monitor your actions, change your home page, etc.

Search Hijacker - A Search Hijacker is a software application that takes control of your browser's default search engine. The search results may not necessarily be the best fit as those usually come from paid advertisements, as issued to you by the Hijacker authors. Search hijackers prevent you from changing your browser's default search engine, and they tend to slow down PC performance.

Toolbar - A Toolbar is a group of buttons that performs different tasks. Unwanted toolbars are usually installed by adware programs that try to send users to their paying advertisers.

Advice: Remove This is a very high risk threat and should be removed immediately as to prevent harm to your computer or your privacy.

Detection:
SpyNoMore detects BHO/Toolbar/Search Hijacker/Alexa: Yes

Threat risk: Low Risk

Not dangerous but annoying. May profile users and make use of "drive-by installation". Removal of such malware is relatively simple. Category includes most cookies and some adware programs that fully disclose their intent before installation.

Symptoms:

BHO/Toolbar/Search Hijacker/Alexa changes browser settings.

BHO/Toolbar/Search Hijacker/Alexa stays resident in background.

BHO/Toolbar/Search Hijacker/Alexa Signature Details: The following information includes some of the standard signatures associated with this spyware threat. Please do not attempt to manually remove these items from your computer; Removing these items incorrectly or partially can cause your computer to experience critical errors, prevent your computer from restarting or cause loss of Internet connectivity. Should you be infected with BHO/Toolbar/Search Hijacker/Alexa, you can clean your computer by downloading SpyNoMore now.

Running Process Signatures:
N/A

File Signatures:
N/A

Registered Dll (Dynamic Link Library) Signatures:
N/A

Folder Signatures:
N/A

Registry Signatures:
N/A

SpyNoMore Collected Residual File Signatures:
N/A

See Also:
BHO/W32.Aspam.B
BHO/Hijacker/IGetNet.Keywords
BHO/Win32/Aspam
BHO/OpinionBar Paid-to-Surf
BHO/Odigo
BHO/My Yodlee Assistant
BHO/Toolbar/Flooder/FriendGreetings E-Card
BHO/EZSearch.EZCybersearch bar
BHO/Hijacker/Toolbar/Qcbar.AdultLinks
BHO/DailyWinner Prize Bar