Reply To: Startpage.com Is NOT For Children Under 13

Here’s some more information about Startpage a browser hijacker from http://windowsbulletin.com/malware/hijackers/startpage-com

Startpage.com is often called a browser hijacker because it takes control of the web browser and does things you may not want to do, such as changing your current search engine, or setting a particular web page as the default home page. Many people just call it a virus or malware. Security professionals generally call it a “PUP” or potentially unwanted program. Users who are victims to it tend to have less polite names for them.

Startpage.com comes bundled as part of various other applications and add-ons. In some cases, the “typical” installation already includes the add-on and the only way to turn it off is to use the “custom” installation, which many users won’t do.

A browser hijacker like Startpage.com can change the browser’s default search engine or home page, slow down the loading of web pages, install multiple toolbars in the browser without the user’s permission, and generate multiple contextual warnings for ads.

The purpose of a browser hijacker is to help cybercriminals generate fraudulent advertising revenue. For example, a browser redirects the victim’s home page to the hijacker’s search page, then the hijacker redirects the victim’s search requests to links that the hijacker wants to show to the victim instead of legitimizing search engine results. When the user clicks on the search results, the hijacker is paid. The cybercriminal may also sell information about victims’ browsing habits to third parties for marketing purposes.

A browser hijacker may contain spyware that allows the attacker to obtain the user’s bank details or other sensitive information. Browser hijacker malware can also install ransom software, malware that encrypts data on the victim’s system and holds it hostage until the victim pays a sum of money to the kidnappers to unlock them.

There are usually two ways Startpage.com can enter into your computer. In the first case, you will be tempted to install them via malicious links exchanged by email, instant messaging or some websites.

In the second method, they are provided with real software that is otherwise perfectly functional and usable, but if you install it on your computer, you also install the browser pirate with it. It affects both Chrome, Firefox and the IE Edge browser.
<h2 id=”remove”>How to remove Startpage.com?</h2>
Some antivirus software warns users of the presence of Startpage.com browser hijackers, but some new hijackers may not be detected or the security software may not be able to eliminate the intruder. In these cases, users will need to reinstall their browser to regain control of the user interface.

In extreme cases, the hijacker reinstalls himself in the browser, and users may need to delete the content of their computer, install a new operating system and the latest version of the browser, and restore their personal files from a backup.

And here’s a very important message to Windows users:

Browser hijacking is common and, in many cases, users are unaware that their browser is infected with some malware.

It is therefore important to always read carefully the steps of the installation process and check the unexpected boxes that can be checked by default. In addition, never open URLs or attachments in emails you do not trust.

Caution should also be exercised with browser extensions, as many browser extensions are generally outdated and are therefore misused by hackers for fraudulent activities. Hackers themselves design browser extensions to infect them later with malicious scripts.

Every time you surf the web and are prohibited from visiting a website, and Google’s secure browsing list appears with a warning message, it is best not to ignore it or visit the site anyway.

The good news is that browser hacking doesn’t have to happen to you now that you know what it is. Remember these methods to avoid it, and you will not fall in love with fraudulent scammers!

ALSO. STARTPAGE.COM IS A PRONE-TO PORN SEARCH ENGINE WITH TONS OF IMAGES AND VIDEOS THAT CONTAIN NUDITY AND SEXUAL MATERIAL. IF ANY CHILD VISITS THIS WEBSITE HE/SHE WILL GET INTO REAL TROUBLE.

SO KIDS AND PARENTS, MAKE A STAND. STOP VISITING STARTPAGE.COM. SAY NO TO THE EVIL, PORNOGRAPHIC, AND TRASHY STUFF IN OUR DEVICES!!