Technology
How to tell if your browser has been hijacked
Imagine starting your day only to find your browser’s homepage replaced by a strange website and your searches rerouted to unfamiliar territories. This digital disarray isn’t a fluke — it’s a sign of a browser hijacking. This intrusive software takes over your browser settings, but the good news is they can be defeated.
Browser hijackers often infiltrate systems through deceptive apps or browser extensions, masquerading as legitimate tools like a Google Docs Chrome extension. They gain permissions and then proceed to overhaul your browser’s core settings.
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Person typing on laptop and on smartphone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How to detect and remove malicious browser extensions
Malicious browser extensions are programs that can harm your computer or compromise your personal information by spying, stealing, redirecting or displaying unwanted ads. But how can you tell if you have a malicious browser extension installed on your browser? There are some signs that can indicate that an extension is malicious, such as:
- The extension requests permissions that are not related to its functionality, such as accessing your personal data, clipboard or keystrokes.
- The extension has negative reviews or low ratings from other users who have experienced problems with it.
- The extension changes your browser settings, such as your homepage, search engine or new tab page, without your consent.
- The extension opens new tabs or windows to suspicious websites or redirects your browser to unwanted sites.
- The extension displays intrusive or inappropriate ads that cover the entire browser window or redirect you to phishing or malware sites.
If you notice any of these signs, you should remove the extension immediately from your browser. You can also use antivirus software to scan and detect malicious extensions.
Woman typing on laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Purging the malware on Windows and Mac
Sometimes, antivirus software may not be able to remove ALL the traces of the malware, so manually deleting the app is a fail-safe option.
For Windows users, the process involves navigating to “Apps and Features” from the Start menu, finding the application or extension that matches the malware name, icon or date of installation, and selecting “Uninstall.”
For Mac users, open Finder, go to Applications and look for the app or extension that matches the malware name, icon or date of installation in the Applications folder. You can also check the app size and see if it is unusually large or small and drag it to the Trash. Then click Empty in the upper right of the trash folder.
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Woman using PC (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Restoring browser settings to default
Post-extension removal, it’s crucial to reset your browser settings. This includes your default search engine, home page and start pages. Here’s how to do it on your computer.
Chrome
- Chrome users can reset by clicking the three vertical dots in the upper right of the screen
- Tap Settings
- Click Reset settings
- Tap Restore settings to their original defaults
- Then, click Reset settings
Edge
- Edge users can reset by clicking the three horizontal dots in the upper right of the screen
- Then click Settings
- Tap Reset Settings on the left
- Click Restore settings to their default values
- Then tap Reset
Firefox
- Firefox users can reset by navigating to the Menu
- Tap Help
- Click Troubleshooting Information
- Then tap Refresh Firefox
Safari
- Safari users can clear their History and related data by selecting Safari
- Clicking History
- Scrolling down to Clear History
- Choosing All History
- Then, click Clear History again
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Prevention is key
Once your browser is free from the clutches of malware, precaution is paramount. The best security measures are preventative ones. Follow these safety tips to keep your device free from browser hijackers:
1) Ensure that every extension downloaded is from a reputable source like the following:
- Apple Safari: Extensions for Safari can be downloaded from the Apple App Store.
- Mozilla Firefox: Extensions for Firefox can be downloaded from the official Mozilla website.
- Microsoft Edge: Extensions for Microsoft Edge can be downloaded from the official Microsoft Store.
- Google Chrome: Extensions for Google Chrome can be downloaded from the Chrome Web Store.
2) Make yourself resilient by using strong antivirus protection and browse with confidence, knowing you’re now equipped to keep hijackers and malware at bay. Keeping hackers out of your devices can be prevented if you have good antivirus software installed. Having antivirus software on your devices will make sure you are stopped from clicking on any potential malicious links, which may install malware on your devices, allowing hackers to gain access to your personal information. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.
3) Never click on suspicious links, including links in emails, text messages or pop-up notifications.
4) Keep your operating system and browser patches up to date. Browser hijackers can take advantage of holes in operating systems and browsers. Regularly installing software updates to make sure your security systems are operating optimally.
5) Take precautions when downloading software. Thoroughly and carefully read end-user licensing agreements and terms and conditions when you’re downloading software to make sure it hasn’t been bundled with a browser hijacker.
6) Don’t run freeware programs that unpack software after they’ve been installed.
7) Change your passwords. If you suspect that your browser has been hijacked, it’s a good idea to change your passwords for any sensitive accounts, such as email or online banking, to prevent further unauthorized access. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
Woman typing on laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Kurt’s key takeaways
You don’t want to mess with browser hijackers. They can sneak into your web browser and steal your most private and valuable information. Hackers know this, and they keep making new browser hijackers to make money from your online activities. The best way to protect your device from browser hijackers is to use good antivirus software. It will protect you online and offline, and it will stop you from going to websites that have viruses. But that’s not enough. You also have to be careful about where you go online and what you click on. Most of the time, people get viruses because they make mistakes, not because their software is bad. So, be smart and stay safe online.
How do you feel about browser hijackers and their impact on your online privacy and security? Do you feel like the companies that develop the browsers should do more to protect you? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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Technology
Microsoft’s Edge Copilot update uses AI to pull information from across your tabs
Microsoft Edge is adding a new feature that will allow its Copilot AI chatbot to gather information from all of your open tabs. When you start a conversation with Copilot, you can ask the chatbot questions about what’s in your tabs, compare the products you’re looking at, summarize your open articles, and more.
In its announcement, Microsoft says you can “select which experiences you want or leave off the ones you don’t.” The company is retiring Copilot Mode as well, which could similarly draw information from your tabs but offered some agentic features, like the ability to book a reservation on your behalf. Microsoft has since folded these agentic capabilities into its “Browse with Copilot” tool.
Several other AI features are coming to Edge, including an AI-powered “Study and Learn” mode that can turn the article you’re looking at into a study session or interactive quiz. There’s a new tool that turns your tabs into AI-powered podcasts as well, similar to what you’d find on NotebookLM, and an AI writing assistant that will pop up when you start entering text on a webpage.
You can also give Copilot permission to access your browsing history to provide more “relevant, high-quality answers,” according to Microsoft. Copilot in Edge on desktop and mobile will come with “long-term memory” as well, which can tailor its responses based on your previous conversations. And, when you open up a new tab, you’ll see a redesigned page that combines chat, search, and web navigation, along with the Journeys feature, which uses AI to organize your browsing history into categories that you can revisit.
Meanwhile, an update to Edge’s mobile app will allow you to share your screen with Copilot and talk through the questions about what you’re seeing. Microsoft says you’ll see “clear visual cues” when Copilot is active, “so you know when it’s taking an action, helping, listening, or viewing.”
Technology
Apple’s $250M Siri settlement: Are you owed cash?
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If you bought a newer iPhone because Apple made Siri sound like it was about to become your personal artificial intelligence sidekick, you may want to pay attention.
Apple has agreed to pay $250 million to settle a class-action lawsuit over claims that it misled customers about new Apple Intelligence and Siri features. The case centers on the iPhone 16 launch and certain iPhone 15 models that were marketed as ready for Apple’s next wave of AI. The settlement still needs court approval, and Apple denies wrongdoing.
The lawsuit argues that Apple promoted a smarter, more personal Siri before those features were actually available. For some buyers, that was a big deal. A new iPhone can cost hundreds of dollars, and many people upgrade only when they think they are getting something meaningfully new.
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WHY IPHONE USERS ARE THE NEW PRIME SCAM TARGETS
U.S. buyers of certain iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro models may qualify for payments if a judge approves Apple’s proposed settlement. (Getty Images)
What Apple is accused of promising
Apple introduced Apple Intelligence in June 2024 and promoted it as a major step forward for iPhone, iPad and Mac. A key part of that pitch was a more personalized Siri that could understand context, work across apps and help with everyday tasks in a more useful way.
The lawsuit claims Apple’s marketing made consumers believe those advanced Siri features would arrive with the iPhone 16 or soon after. Instead, buyers received phones that had some Apple Intelligence tools, but not the full Siri overhaul that many expected.
That gap is the heart of the case. Plaintiffs say customers bought or upgraded devices based on AI features that were not ready. Apple says it has rolled out many Apple Intelligence features and settled the case, so it can stay focused on its products.
How much money could iPhone owners get?
The proposed settlement creates a $250 million fund. Eligible customers who file approved claims are expected to receive at least $25 per eligible device. That amount could rise to as much as $95 per device, depending on how many people file claims and other settlement factors.
That means this will not be a huge payday for most people. Still, if you bought one of the covered phones, it may be worth watching for a claim notice. A few minutes of paperwork could put some money back in your pocket.
Which iPhones may qualify?
The proposed settlement covers U.S. buyers who purchased any iPhone 16 model, iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025.
Covered iPhone 16 models include the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16e. The settlement also includes the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, but not every iPhone 15 model.
The key details are the device model, the purchase date and whether the phone was bought in the United States.
HOW YOU CAN GET A SLICE OF APPLE’S $250M IPHONE SETTLEMENT
Apple has agreed to pay $250 million to settle claims it misled customers about Apple Intelligence and Siri features on newer iPhones. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg)
How will you file a claim?
You do not need to do anything immediately. The settlement still needs a judge’s approval. Once the claims process opens, eligible customers are expected to receive a notice by email or mail with instructions on how to file through a settlement website.
That notice matters because scammers love moments like this. A real settlement notice should not ask for your Apple ID password, bank login or payment to claim your money. If you receive a message about this settlement, do not click blindly. Go slowly, check the sender and look for the official settlement administrator details once they are available.
Why this case matters beyond one Siri feature
This case hits a bigger nerve. Tech companies are racing to sell AI as the next must-have feature. That creates a problem for shoppers. You are often asked to buy now based on what a company says will arrive later.
That can be frustrating when the feature is the reason you upgraded. A smarter Siri sounds useful. A phone that can understand your personal context, search across apps and help with daily tasks could save time. But if those tools are delayed, limited or missing, the value of the upgrade changes.
This settlement also sends a message about AI marketing. Companies can talk about future features, but consumers need clear timing and plain explanations. “Coming soon” can mean very different things when you are spending $800, $1,000 or more.
We reached out to Apple for comment, but did not hear back before our deadline.
FIRST 15 THINGS TO DO OR TRY FIRST WHEN YOU GET A NEW IPHONE
Apple denies wrongdoing but agreed to settle claims tied to its marketing of Apple Intelligence and Siri features. (Qilai Shen/Bloomberg)
What this means to you
If you bought a covered iPhone during the settlement period, keep an eye on your email and regular mail. You may qualify for a payment if the court approves the deal.
You should also keep your receipt or proof of purchase if you have it. Your Apple purchase history, carrier account or retailer receipt may help if the claim process asks for details.
More broadly, this is a reminder to treat AI features like any other big tech promise. Before you upgrade, ask one simple question: Can the feature do what is being advertised today, or is the company asking me to wait?
That question can save you from buying a device for a future feature that may arrive much later than expected.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Apple has built its brand on making technology feel polished, personal and easy to use. That is why this Siri settlement hits a nerve. People were buying phones they use every day for texts, photos, directions, reminders and everything in between. Many expected AI to make those everyday tasks easier, which is why the delay felt frustrating. The proposed payout may be modest, but the bigger issue is trust. When a company sells AI as a reason to upgrade, customers deserve to know what actually works now and what is still coming later.
Would you still buy a new phone for promised AI features, or would you wait until they actually show up? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
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Technology
Instagram hits the copy button again with new disappearing Instants photos
Instagram is once again cribbing from competitors like Snapchat and BeReal with a new photo-sharing format it calls “Instants,” which are ephemeral photos that you can’t edit and that you can only share with your close friends or followers that follow you back. Instants are available globally beginning on Wednesday as a feature in the inbox in the Instagram app and as a separate app that’s now in testing in select countries.
To access Instants from the Instagram app, go to your DM inbox and look in the bottom-right corner for an icon or a stack of photos. After you post a photo, your friends can emoji react to it and send a reply to your DMs, but after they see it, the photo disappears for them. Instants also disappear after 24 hours, and they can’t be captured in screenshots or screen recordings.
However, your Instants will remain in an archive for you for up to a year, and you can reshare them as a recap to your Instagram Stories if you’d like. You can also undo sending an Instant right after you post it or delete it from your archive.
The Instants mobile app, which popped up in Italy and Spain in April, gives you “immediate access to the camera” and only requires an Instagram account, Instagram says. “Instants you share on the separate app will show up for friends on Instagram and vice versa. We’re trying this separate app out to see how our community uses it, and we’ll continue to evolve it as we learn more.”
Instagram, in its testing, has seen that people “tend to use Instants to share much more casual, much more authentic moments about their day,” according to Instagram boss Adam Mosseri. “And we know that this type of sharing of personal moments with friends is a core part of what makes Instagram Instagram, but we also know that a lot of people don’t really share a lot to their profile grids anymore.”
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