I am encountering a weird problem on my computer. My previous browser default homepage was Google; however, last night I noticed that it was replaced by a website called Webswitch.tk without my permission. I have tried resetting Google as my default homepage, but this website keeps loading itself whenever I launch my browser. What can I do to completely remove Webswitch.tk from my computer? Any help is appreciated.
What Is Webswitch.tk?
Webswitch.tk is classified as a browser redirect virus that takes over users’ web browsers for the purpose of boosting website traffic and generating advertising revenue. Once installed on users’ computers, it will modify users’ homepage and search provider to its own domain, by doing which it can force users use its search engine to search the Internet. When users search for something with the new search engine, they will be provided many advertisements and sponsored links in the search results. If users click on those ads or sponsored links, they will be redirected to the purchasing pages of certain products or services. However, no one can ensure that the products or services promoted are authentic and worth buying. Besides, Webswitch.tk redirect virus will add some unknown add-ons to users’ browsers, which may pop up a lot of pops-ups including ads, deals, coupons, and discounts on the web pages that users are viewing. To deliver more targeted ads, this redirect virus will also collect users’ personal data by monitoring their online activities and tracking the browser cookies. No doubt, Webswitch.tk is a pesky redirect virus that should be removed promptly.
Note: We don’t recommend novice users to remove the adware manually, since the manual removal is a task of complexity and risk. If any wrong operation occurs during the process, the system would suffer from additional problems. So, we sincerely suggest removing the adware by using an automatic removal tool. You can click and download SpyHunter on your PC. It is a powerful and trustworthy malware removal tool.
Symptoms of the Infection:
● Browser default homepage and search engine are changed to Webswitch.tk without any knowledge and permission.
● Lots of ads and deals pop up on the web pages that you visit. Those pops up appear almost on every page that you browse, especially on websites like Ebay, Walmart, Amazon, Best Buy.
● Search results are constantly redirected to unknown websites. When you click on certain search results, the web pages are redirected to websites that have nothing to do with those you intend to visit.
● Unknown toolbars, plug-ins or extensions appear your browsers, which you don’t know and have never installed.
● Network speed gets slower and sometimes the network is disconnected without appear reason.
● New website URLs are added to the Favorite folder.
● Computer performance degrades weirdly. It often takes a longer time to perform a simple task.
How Does the Redirect Virus Get into Your PC?
In most cases, Webswitch.tk redirect virus gets into your computer via freeware or shareware. These free programs are often bundled with installer of the redirect virus or other malware. If you download and install such programs on your PC, you also give the chance for this redirect virus to install itself. Besides, the redirect virus may enter your computer through spam email attachments. Opening attachments sent by unknown people runs the high risk of downloading malware Webswitch.tk redirect virus to your computer. In addition, this redirect virus can be distributed by the means of suspicious links, sudden pop-up ads and hacked websites. So, you’d better use extra caution when surfing online.
How to Prevent Future Malware Attack
● Keep your computer updated regularly. Make sure that your have run Windows update and installed the important and recommended updates.
● Make sure that a reliable antivirus program and firewall installed on your computer and update them on a regular basis.
● Be careful and conscious of what you are downloading and installing on your computer. You should only download programs or software that is trustworthy.
● Never click on a link in a post or message that looks strange on a social networking site, or you may download malware like Webswitch.tk redirect virus to your PC.
● Check the security settings on your Web browsers. Setting them at the recommended settings will help prevent malware attacks.
Be cautious as to what external storage devices you allow in your computer. Think before you put any CD or USB port into your machine.
Friendly Reminder: Manually removing the redirect virus is a complicated and risky task which should only be attempted by the advanced computer users. If you are a newbie, you can consider installing and running SpyHunter to remove the pesky redirect virus within clicks. This powerful removal tool can not only completely clean up the existing threats from your computer, but also protect your system from any future malware so that you can surf the Internet safely.
No comments:
Post a Comment