|
These pests usually include some form of spyware or adware, programs
that monitor your Internet use and build a profile of your habits
designed to shoot even more advertising your way.
This is not to say that all browser help objects (BHO) are bad. For
example, Google Toolbar includes a BHO as part of its installation.
While certain features of the Google
Toolbar can send information back to Google, this is clearly
explained prior to installation and it can be easily disabled
without affecting its search capabilities.
An example of a bad BHO is Surfbar.
This BHO is installed without permission by exploiting a
vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer. The Surfbar BHO, also
known as Junkbar and Pornbar, changes the Internet Explorer start
page to http://www.surferbar.com, then drops hundreds of porn site
shortcuts to the desktop and Favorites folder, and installs a
"toolbar" pointing to dozens more.
Improperly removing these browser
hijackers can have unexpected results that range from certain
programs no longer functioning to a complete loss of Internet
connectivity. Therefore, caution should be exercising when
attempting to clean a system affected by a miscreant BHO.
BHODemon will allow you to
temporarily disable a browser help object. With the BHO disabled,
you can continue using your PC normally for a day or so to ensure
all programs and your Internet connection function normally without
it.
Assuming no ill-effects were found,
use a reputable spyware scanner to safely remove the BHO and all
associated spyware that likely accompanied it. |
