Bookmark Plus New Tab Hijacker: A Detailed Insight and Removal Guide

Browser hijackers are a form of malware designed to alter a user’s web browser settings without their consent. These intrusive programs primarily aim to generate advertising revenue for their developers by redirecting users to specific websites, displaying unwanted ads, and collecting user data. Unlike traditional malware that might corrupt or steal data outright, browser hijackers subtly manipulate the user’s browsing experience, making them a prevalent yet often underestimated threat.

The main objective of a browser hijacker is to increase traffic to particular websites, thereby boosting ad revenue for the sites’ owners. This is achieved by redirecting searches, changing the homepage or default search engine, and flooding the browser with pop-up ads. Browser hijackers typically infiltrate systems through bundled software downloads, malicious email attachments, or by exploiting vulnerabilities in outdated software. Once installed, they can severely disrupt the user’s browsing experience, slow down the system, and pose significant privacy risks by tracking browsing activities and harvesting personal data.

While both adware and browser hijackers generate revenue through advertisements, their behaviors differ. Adware displays ads within applications or on websites, but typically does not alter browser settings. In contrast, browser hijackers actively modify browser configurations, forcing users to visit unwanted sites and making it challenging to revert the changes.

Introducing Bookmark Plus New Tab Browser Hijacker

One such intrusive threat is the “Bookmark Plus New Tab” browser hijacker. This malicious program hijacks the browser’s new tab function, redirecting users to unwanted websites. It typically installs itself through software bundles or deceptive advertisements, presenting itself as a useful browser extension.

Once installed, the Bookmark Plus New Tab hijacker changes the default new tab page to its own site, promoting various advertisements and redirecting searches to sponsored results. This not only degrades the user experience by slowing down browsing speeds and bombarding users with ads but also poses security risks by exposing users to potentially harmful content.

The hijacker promotes several dubious websites, increasing the likelihood of users encountering malicious pages or phishing scams. Moreover, the collected data on browsing habits can be sold to third parties, compromising user privacy.

Detection Names by Anti-Malware Software

Various anti-malware programs detect the Bookmark Plus New Tab hijacker under different names. Some of the detection names include:

• Adware.BookmarkPlus
• PUP.Optional.BookmarkPlus
• BrowserModifier:Win32/BookmarkPlus
• Trojan.BrowserHijack.BookmarkPlus

Similar Threats

Users may also encounter other similar threats such as:

• Conduit Search
• Ask Toolbar
• MyWebSearch
• Delta Search
• Babylon Toolbar

These browser hijackers exhibit similar behaviors by altering browser settings and redirecting users to unwanted sites, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and protective measures.

Comprehensive Removal Guide

1. Uninstall Suspicious Programs
   • Go to the Control Panel.
   • Select “Uninstall a Program” under “Programs.”
   • Look for any suspicious or unfamiliar programs, particularly ones installed around the time issues began.
   • Select the program and click “Uninstall.”
2. Remove Malicious Extensions from Browsers
   • Google Chrome:
     • Open Chrome and go to “More” (three dots in the upper right corner).
     • Select “More tools” > “Extensions.”
     • Look for and remove suspicious extensions by clicking the trash can icon.
   • Mozilla Firefox:
     • Open Firefox and click the menu button (three lines in the upper right corner).
     • Select “Add-ons” > “Extensions.”
     • Find and remove any unwanted extensions by clicking “Remove.”
   • Microsoft Edge:
     • Open Edge and click on the menu button (three dots in the upper right corner).
     • Select “Extensions.”
     • Locate and remove any suspicious extensions.
3. Reset Browser Settings
   • Google Chrome:
     • Open Chrome and go to “More” (three dots in the upper right corner).
     • Select “Settings.”
     • Scroll down and click “Advanced.”
     • Under “Reset and clean up,” select “Restore settings to their original defaults.”
     • Confirm by clicking “Reset settings.”
   • Mozilla Firefox:
     • Open Firefox and click the menu button (three lines in the upper right corner).
     • Select “Help” > “Troubleshooting Information.”
     • Click on “Refresh Firefox.”
     • Confirm by clicking “Refresh Firefox” again.
   • Microsoft Edge:
     • Open Edge and click the menu button (three dots in the upper right corner).
     • Select “Settings.”
     • Scroll down and click “Reset settings.”
     • Select “Restore settings to their default values.”
     • Confirm by clicking “Reset.”
4. Run a Full System Scan
   • Install reputable anti-malware software if not already installed.
   • Run a full system scan to detect and remove any remaining threats.
   • Quarantine or delete any detected malware.
5. Manual Removal of Residual Files
   • Open File Explorer and navigate to the following locations:
     • C:\Program Files\
     • C:\Program Files (x86)\
     • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local\
     • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming\
   • Look for any folders related to Bookmark Plus or other suspicious files and delete them.

Prevention Tips

The best way to prevent any form of malware like this threat from entering your computer is to use a reputable anti-malware program. SpyHunter is a reliable shield for your device, detecting and removing malware threats from your system before they can get installed and cause permanent damage. Scan your device for free now! Download SpyHunter 5 for Windows, or SpyHunter for Mac, and forget about the nuisance of malware forever. Here are some additional tips for keeping your device safe:

To avoid future infections, follow these preventive measures:

• Be Cautious with Downloads: Only download software from trusted sources and avoid clicking on pop-up ads or unknown links.
• Read Installation Prompts: Carefully read the terms and conditions during software installations and opt out of additional installs.
• Use Updated Security Software: Keep your anti-malware and antivirus software up to date to protect against new threats.
• Enable Browser Security Features: Utilize built-in browser security settings and extensions to block malicious websites and ads.

By following this detailed guide, users can effectively remove the Bookmark Plus New Tab browser hijacker and safeguard their systems against future threats.