Remove Vera browser hijacker

Vera is a browser hijacker that’s being promoted as an extension that allows users to create focus lists. However, despite its seemingly useful feature, it operates like a browser hijacker. Hijackers are very minor infections that make unwanted changes to a browser’s settings and try to redirect users to sponsored websites. Vera browser hijacker is pushing swsrc4you.com, so that is the site that will be set as your homepage/new tabs if Vera is installed on your device. The site has a search box, but the search engine does not work, and you will instead get results from Yahoo. Fortunately, it’s not a serious infection that will cause harm to your device.

 

 

Browser hijackers are relatively minor infections that sneak into computers using deceptive methods and change browsers’ settings. The whole purpose of these types of infections is to try to redirect users to sponsored websites to generate revenue. This is done by forcing users to use questionable search engines that browser hijackers set as users’ default. These search engines insert sponsored content into the results in order to redirect users to certain websites. The Vera browser hijacker is promoting swsrc4you.com, and while the site does have a search box, searches are redirected to Yahoo. Thus, swsrc4you.com is a fake search engine.

While browser hijackers use sneaky methods to get into users’ systems, their presence becomes immediately obvious because they change a browser’s settings. It’s difficult not to notice a completely different site loading as the homepage and search results generated by a search engine not set by you. Even if users do not immediately associate the changes with a browser hijacker, they will know something is not right. In the case of the Vera browser hijacker, it will set swsrc4you.com as the homepage/new tabs. The site has nothing on it besides a search box. The hijacker itself is promoted as a tool that will supposedly allow users to create focus lists, but it does not actually have that feature. As mentioned already, if you use the search box on the site, you will be shown results generated by Yahoo. Yahoo is a completely legitimate search engine, but you can use it directly. There is no need to use a questionable third-party extension or website to access it.

We should mention that all popular browsers may be affected, including Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. When browser hijackers make changes to a browser’s settings, these changes are not reversible while the hijacker remains installed on the device. If you want to return your browser to normal, you will need to remove Vera browser hijacker. We recommend using WiperSoft anti-virus software.

Lastly, we should mention that browser hijackers have quite intrusive data collection practices. They can track users’ browsing and collect certain information, including websites visited, search queries, IP addresses, etc. This information can also be shared with various third parties for advertisement purposes.

How to avoid installing a browser hijacker

Browser hijackers are mainly distributed either bundled with free programs or disguised as helpful extensions to deceive users into installing them. Many third-party download sites hosting free programs are often laden with browser hijackers and adware disguised as legitimate programs. A quick search online can help you determine if a program is safe. For example, if you had looked up Vera extension beforehand, you would have found several sites labeling it as a hijacker. This is why it’s important to research any program before installation to prevent unwanted clutter on your device.

Software bundling is also commonly used to spread junk programs like adware and browser hijackers. These infections are bundled with free programs as optional offers. Although these offers are technically optional, they are set to install automatically unless users manually deselect them. This is, however, difficult because they’re often hidden in settings that users rarely check. This makes software bundling quite controversial, and why many anti-virus programs flag programs that use it as potential threats and recommend their removal.

If you don’t want adware and browser hijackers on your computer, be careful when installing free programs and ensure you select the right settings. While installation prompts commonly suggest Default settings, using these will lead to all additional offers being installed without your explicit consent. Instead, choose Advanced (Custom) settings, which allow you to see and uncheck these offers. A few quick clicks to deselect boxes during installation can save you from the trouble of removing fully installed adware and hijackers later.

Even if some offers may seem useful at first glance, it’s advisable to skip installing any of them. Legitimate programs do not use software bundling. It’s far easier to uncheck a few boxes during installation than to deal with browser hijackers or adware.

Remove Vera browser hijacker

In order to remove Vera browser hijacker from your computer, we recommend using WiperSoft anti-malware program. The program would take care of everything, returning your browser to normal. You will also be able to change your browser’s settings however you want.