Two days ago, the default homepage of my Chrome started to be controlled by Launchpage.org, a site that I never visited before. I have no idea how it got into the PC and don’t know how to get rid of it. I can’t find the URL of the site in the startup page or homepage settings but it keeps showing up as the default homepage when I start the browser. My Norton antivirus software also detected nothing. Is there any suggestion?
If your browser is also hijacked by Launchpage.org and you don’t know how to get rid of it, read on and follow the instructions below to fix the problem. If necessary, use a specialized tool to delete the infection.
What is Launchpage.org?
Launchpage.org is a browser hijacker that may change users’ browser settings without permission. It is also considered as a potentially unwanted program. This PUP is usually installed as part of freeware and many users don’t pay much attention to it. It can affect most popular web browsers including Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome. Once inside, it may change the default homepage, search engine and other search settings of the installed browsers. The image below may show up when you start the affected browser:
Like LuckyStarting.com,Startpageing123.com and Kipuu.cn and other browser hijackers, this PUP provides users with search services and also offer the quick entries for many popular social network sites, shopping site and other sites. The website itself is not malicious. However, for the sake of your computer security and personal privacy, we still suggest you remove such potentially unwanted programs. Browser hijackers are mainly designed to force hits to a particular website, increasing its advertising revenue. Generally, cybercriminals can make money by using browser hijackers to redirect users’ browser homepage to their search page and the search results. The links and ads in the search results are the hijacker wants you to see. You may find the search results are not the same as before and more sponsored ads related to your keywords are displayed. As you click on these links and ads, the cybercriminal gets paid.
Moreover, browser hijackers like Launchpage.org may monitor your browsing activities and collect information on your browsing habits and send it to third parties for marketing or commercial purposes. It uses cookies or other tracking technologies to record your browsing activity and this could be a potential privacy concern. Please read the EULAs and relevant privacy policies before you download and install products or visit other websites that provided by the browser hijackers.
Note: Please remove Launchpage.org from your computer as soon as possible if your browser is hijacked. Sometimes, browser hijackers can be easily removed by uninstalling relevant programs and repairing the browser homepage. But some are tough and you may consider using a specialized tool to clean up them.
How do you get infected with browser hijackers like Launchpage.org?
Many computer users have no idea how such unwanted items got installed on their computers. In fact, due to commercial interests involved, many companies are responsible for the browser hijackers. To increase their profitability, companies can do all sorts of ways, both legal and illegal, to have their software installed on your machine. But the most popular way that these unwanted applications spread is “bundling”. They are often bundled with other free applications that you download and install from the Internet. The developers of freeware may bundle these additional apps in the installer to make a profit. Thus, you need to be cautious when downloading free applications because freeware is never really “free”. Some malicious free software may bring other unnecessary or even malicious items to your system.
In addition, browser hijackers may pretend to be pop-ups on some web pages you visit. Once you click on them, they can be downloaded and installed automatically. Some pop-ups show you the “X” button to close them but sometimes it is actually an “Install” button.
Besides, drive-by downloads and spam emails containing attachments and links can also be used to spread browser hijackers.
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