Home Malware Programs Viruses Firefox Redirect Virus

Firefox Redirect Virus

Posted: October 15, 2012

Threat Metric

Ranking: 667
Threat Level: 1/10
Infected PCs: 68,129
First Seen: October 15, 2012
Last Seen: October 16, 2023
OS(es) Affected: Windows

The Firefox Redirect Virus is a browser hijacker that modifies settings related to Firefox-brand web browsers to force you to visit arbitrary websites. The Firefox Redirect Virus may be used for profit (by redirecting you to search-related sites) or to expose you to malware downloads (often via fake search engines). Although the Firefox Redirect Virus may limit its redirect attacks to Firefox, most variants of Firefox Redirect Viruses will fail to be thwarted by simple changes to your browser or your browser's settings. Firefox Redirect Virus may include other types of malware with Firefox Redirect Virus, and SpywareRemove.com malware researchers recommend that you use anti-malware tools capable of analyzing your entire PC to remove Firefox Redirect Virus and any related PC threats.

Why You'll Need Vulpine Paranoia to Avoid the Firefox Redirect Virus

Firefox Redirect Viruses can be installed as stand-alone threats or as PC threats that are used as parts of multi-component Trojans. The technical methodology behind the Firefox Redirect Virus can vary; for example, malware analysts have seen JavaScript-based Firefox Redirect Viruses such as Trojan:JS/Hiloti.F, as well as plugin-based Firefox Redirect Viruses, like members of the Dursg family of Trojans. For these reasons, a specific uninstallation technique for the Firefox Redirect Virus can't be delineated; disinfecting Firefox Redirect Virus, therefore, requires general anti-malware strategies and software.

The Firefox Redirect Virus often is acquired through installers for unrelated applications that are infected and then distributed through P2P networks, freeware sites and other sources with poor download security. Other sources of Firefox Redirect Virus infections that SpywareRemove.com malware experts warn against contact with include:

  • Fake updates for Firefox, Flash movie players or video codecs.
  • Search engine add-ons that promote themselves as being able to improve your search results, enhance your web-browsing performance or provide advertising-related functions.

In cases where the Firefox Redirect Virus is installed with your permission, social engineering techniques may be used to make the Firefox Redirect Virus look like a beneficial browser add-on, although SpywareRemove.com malware analysts note that Firefox Redirect Viruses, like all types of browser hijackers, don't include benign functions.

The Firefox Redirect Virus's Unique Means of Setting Your Search Results to Flame

Contrary to any marketing text that may claim differently, the Firefox Redirect Virus doesn't have your best interests in mind when it redirects Firefox to any websites of its own choosing. Attacks by Firefox Redirect Virus can consist of, but are not limited to:

  • Redirects to unusual sites when you try to navigate to another website (Google, Yahoo, etc.). These changes may be based on basic system components – such as your Hosts file or proxy server settings – that will need to be restored once the Firefox Redirect Virus is removed.
  • Settings changes by Firefox Redirect Virus that force you to use an unwanted website for your homepage, default search engine or new tab page.
  • Changes to your bookmarks or desktop shortcuts.
  • Links that are added to normally-unlinked text to promote arbitrary sites.

A single Firefox Redirect Virus is only a small, albeit distinct, threat to your PC's security. However, SpywareRemove.com malware research team notes that the Firefox Redirect Virus also may be installed with rootkits, spyware or other PC threats that are more dangerous than basic redirect attacks. Deleting Firefox Redirect Virus with anti-malware software that also can scan for other malware is the safest way to put a stop to Firefox Redirect Virus attacks.

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