Have you ever noticed that sometimes your browser automatically lands on unknown websites? Its automatic functions are performed. If yes, you must have faced the browser hijacker, which is also called BBWC.
BBWC completely changes the settings of your browser without your permission. Not only this, if this malware is in your PC, then your online presence is not safe at all.
But you do not need to worry if you have read this blog post. This blog post will tell you what BBWC is on your computer, how it affects your computer's performance, and how to save yourself from this malware.
How Does BBWC Affect Your PC?
BBWC or Browser-Based Web Content affect your computer in different ways. Here are some:
Change Browser Setting Without Permission
One common issue noted is that this virus changes the browser settings of your PC without any effort and takes you to indirect pages. For example, you open your browser and reach a website you have never searched.
It is a very frustrating experience. Even if you reset your browser, this malware does not get removed. It does not change your browsing habits but reduces your laptop's security. For example, it can redirect you to a website that is not entirely safe.
Slow Down Your System’s Performance
BBWC consumes a large number of resources at once, which slows down your system. It continuously shows ads to you and redirects you to other websites. Due to all these activities, your system has slowed down. Due to this, you may need some help.
- It will take time to boot up your PC.
- It takes time to open programs. Switching to another application may also take time.
- Sometimes, your computer may freeze, or the application may crash, and you must restart it again.
Your Online Presence in Risk
It reduces the security of your system. The ads that this malware shows you are not annoying. Those ads can put your data at risk.
For example, this malware redirects you to a website where ads are shown; by chance, if you click on that ad, it may have stolen your data. Some third-party websites can also steal usernames and passwords.
Add Another Malware & Viruses
If BBWC has infiltrated your system, it can significantly increase your computer's vulnerability to other malware.
Each malware program opens the door to additional threats, compounding the effects of BBWC and making your computer more susceptible to file corruption, instability, and potential loss or theft of sensitive information.
Multiple malware infections can slow your computer to the point of being unproductive.
What Are The Common Signs Of BBWC Working On Computer
Here are some common signs that BBWC is working on your computer. Here are these
Change Browser Setting
If you feel unexpected changes in your browser, your PC may have this virus. Or you may end up on a website you have yet to search.
Ads Showing
If you suddenly see different ads in front of you while browsing, this is a strong indication that BBWC is working on your laptop. These ads can be in any form, such as a link form, badge form, or even a complete image. They can redirect you to a website which is not safe.
Slow Your Laptop Performance
It will slow down the performance of your PC. Your laptop will boot up late. Applications will take time to open. If you move an application to another place, then this will also be a time-consuming process.
Random Extensions & Software
If any such extension is installed in the extensions section of your browser that you do not remember having installed, it could be a sign that BBWC is working on your laptop.
These random software and extensions get installed automatically. So, if you see any suspicious software, tool, or extension, remove them immediately.
Suspicious Task Manager Processing
If that is the case and you see new processes in the Task Manager that you have never seen before, your PC will likely be infected with BBWC.
Changes to System Behavior & Response
You may also note other symptoms in the system, like program crashes, error messages, or an application’s unresponsiveness.
Can You Uninstall BBWC From Your Pc?
Yes, BBWC can be uninstalled from your computer, and we will give you the procedures for doing this, though it may be challenging.
BBWC often does not even appear in the list of installed programs, which is expected since it is a browser hijacker, so it is slightly more complicated.
Here’s how you can effectively uninstall BBWC and restore your system:
Step By Step Process To Uninstall BBWC
Check Installed Programs:
Locate the Control Panel on your PC and open it.
Go to “Programs and Features.”
Any new or unknown programs that have been installed should be examined to see if they are associated with BBWC. If you see anything suspicious, highlight the item and click on the uninstall tab to remove the item.
Select a Good Anti-Malware Software:
If you don’t already have an excellent anti-malware app, install it on your computer.
Scan your computer for viruses to remove all the threats of BBWC and other related viruses on your hard drive. Follow the steps prescribed by the software to isolate or remove the danger
Reset Browser Settings:
BBWC always has a habit of modifying your browser settings. Clearing your browser's history and cache can also work against these modifications, as can resetting your browser.
Reset Setting For Google Chrome
Click Settings > Advanced > Reset and clean up > Restore settings to their original defaults.
Reset Setting For Mozilla Firefox
On the menu, go to the Help tab and choose Troubleshooting Information. After this, some options will appear: Click Refresh Firefox.
Reset Setting For Microsoft Edge
Go to the control panel, go to system and security, click system, then click the ‘reset settings to their default values option’.
Eliminate Suspicious Browser Extensions
Search for any unfamiliar extensions that you have installed by BBWC.
Extensions on Chrome: Tools > More tools > Extensions and uninstall all ‘suspicious’ extensions.
Click on Tools > Add-ons in Firefox & click on Extensions or Plugins, and uninstall/turn off any dubious add-on.
Clear Browsing Data
To do this, you must flush your browser’s cache, cookies and history, thus eradicating any link to BBWC.
Delete all cookies and other stored information except passwords to avoid losing essential information.
Check Task Manager
Type in the words ‘Open Task Manager ‘ (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and check for processes related to BBWC.
If app icons have a red X next to them, right-click on the particular apps and then click “End Task” to halt them.
Reboot Your Computer
If you follow the above steps, restart your Windows computer to complete the changes.
Conclusion
BBWC can make unexpected changes to your PC, increasing the chances of your system getting hacked and data stolen. If you see unexpected software or extensions, remove them immediately to avoid risks.