Most people will have had computer viruses on their computer, probably without even realising it. This is because many of the average computer viruses out there are easily detected by anti-virus software programs and thus removed. There is one virus in particular, that is much harder to detect and even harder to remove. The virus I am referring to is the Google Redirect Virus. We will now look at what the Google Redirect Virus actually is, why it is so hard to detect and remove and the damage it can cause.
Whereas other viruses run from an application or file hidden on your computer, the Google Redirect Virus is different. It is a type of virus known as a BHO (Browser Hijack Object) or Trojan Horse virus. This virus is caught by your computer through downloading anything from MP3's, screensavers, videos and music files from illegitimate and unofficial websites. Once it is on your computer, it alters your internet browser files and settings and then removes itself from the hard drive, leaving no trace of its existence.
The way it affects your computer is hinted at in the name. Basically, anytime you search through Google on the web, or any other search engine you will be redirected to a completely unrelated and often dangerous website. Sometimes instead of being redirected to an unconnected website, your search will lead you to a constant stream of ads and pop-up windows. This can be frustrating and annoying if it happens every time and can cause your computer to run slowly.
Although you cannot use normal anti-virus software to detect and stop this virus, there are some indicators that would suggest your computer is infected.
These include -
As mentioned above, your internet searches lead you to unrelated websites, ads and pop-up windows.
A changed desktop background, so if yours has changed, and you aren't sure why it may be this virus.
Trying to click through to a website that sells or gives anti-virus information or downloads is blocked.
Your homepage is changed, and not by you, when you try to change it back you can't.
Alterations have been made to your Windows HOSTS file.
Your internet browsers run slower when loading sites and pages than they normally are.
The majority of symptoms, caused by this virus are a nuisance more than anything else; there are a few more serious side effects. Along with the bogus and useless websites, it may redirect you to; it could also redirect you to potentially dangerous websites. Further to this, the virus can often disable your firewalls and other security programs that help protect your computer and the information you keep on it. This in turn may lead to more and more viruses infecting your computer and causing you yet more problems.
So if you feel your computer may be suffering the effects of the Google Redirect Virus, do not despair as there are some ways to get rid of it. As the virus is actually made up of different individual layers, these need to be tackled separately. This is not an easy thing to do but is not impossible.
There are two ways that this virus can be dealt with; they are manual removal; this method would be for the experienced user, and online removal tools, which are for those of us that, apart from not wishing to lose our data, like the easy way of doing things.
The author Luke Clayhill, after twice being infected with this type of virus now provides methods of Removing Redirect Virus easily.
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