AutoConfigUrl Browser Hijacker

The AutoConfigUrl Browser Hijacker is a piece of software that works by modifying a Web browser's settings so that the user will be redirected to various advertising pages, affiliated links, and other content that may not be relevant or associated with any of the websites that the user visits on a regular basis. The utility associated with the AutoConfigUrl Browser Hijacker works by rerouting the Web browser's sessions through a Web proxy that is provided by a 'wpad.dat' file hosted on multiple domains. The 'wpad.dat' file should not lead users to any potentially unsafe websites, but it may worsen the quality of their browsing sessions by filling their browser window with unwanted advertisements and other types of marketing content.

The 'AutoConfigUrl' term also may be used as a general detection name for browser hijackers by some anti-malware software. If you experience unexpected redirects while browsing the Web, or if your Web browser is cluttered with ads, then the troublemaker might turn out to be the AutoConfigUrl Browser Hijacker. Users who experience at least one of these symptoms should run an anti-malware scanner to remove any dubious software that might be the cause of the problem.