Dirty App Removal: Skyjem.com Browser Hijacker

The Skyjem.com browser hijacker is a sneaky piece of malware that can significantly disrupt your browsing experience by taking control of your web browser. This hijacker alters your browser’s settings, changes your default search engine, and redirects all your search queries to its own site, benefiting the virus author. Once your browser is infected, you’ll notice that all your search results are funneled through Skyjem.com, making it difficult to navigate the web normally. Unfortunately, removing this hijacker can be challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with the process.

What is a Browser Hijacker?

Browser hijackers, like Skyjem.com, are malicious programs that take over your web browser’s controls. They modify settings such as your default homepage, search engine, and even the appearance of your browser. The purpose is clear: to aggressively promote unwanted websites, often filled with ads, affiliate links, and sometimes even more dangerous malware.

These hijackers work by redirecting your web searches to a sponsored search engine, which they control. Instead of seeing legitimate search results, you’ll be bombarded with advertisement links and other unwanted content. Skyjem.com is a prime example of this kind of threat. It doesn’t just annoy you with subpar search results; it also tracks your browsing activities, putting your privacy at risk.

The Threat Behavior of Skyjem.com

Once infected with Skyjem.com, your browser’s default search engine and home tab will be hijacked. You’ll quickly notice that your searches are redirected to Skyjem.com, which provides limited and often irrelevant search results. One particularly odd feature of this hijacker is its use of the Suzuki logo on its homepage—a strange and likely unauthorized use that the legitimate Suzuki Motor Corporation would certainly disapprove of.

Unlike some other browser hijackers, such as Searchersgood.com and Followsearcher.com, Skyjem.com doesn’t redirect to common search engines like Bing or Yahoo. Instead, it uses a web search API to insert unwanted affiliate links and sponsored results at the top of your search results. These sponsored links are designed to lure you into clicking, ultimately benefiting the malware authors. Skyjem.com behaves similarly to other hijackers like Maxask.com and Boyu.com.tr, which also use deceptive tactics to profit from unsuspecting users.

Notably, Skyjem.com doesn’t rely on browser extensions to function. Instead, it alters your browser settings directly, making it difficult to remove through standard browser settings unless you’re an advanced user or if your browser is managed by an organization. Additionally, Skyjem.com is linked to a trojan virus called InternetGuardian (IGuardian.exe), which helps reinstall the hijacker even after you’ve attempted to remove it. Therefore, to fully eliminate Skyjem.com, both the hijacker and the associated trojan must be removed.

How Skyjem.com Spreads

Like many other types of malware, the Skyjem.com browser hijacker spreads through fake download links on torrent sites and dubious software download platforms. Many users fall victim to these scams by clicking download buttons on deceptive websites, unknowingly installing the hijacker alongside the desired software.

Browser hijackers like Skyjem.com often infect computers when users download files from hosting services that bombard them with intrusive ads. Once installed, Skyjem.com can make significant changes to your browser settings, complicating the removal process.

How to Remove Skyjem.com and Protect Your Computer

To safely remove the Skyjem.com browser hijacker and its associated components, it’s highly recommended to use a reputable anti-malware program. These programs can detect and eliminate not only the hijacker itself but also any related malware, such as the InternetGuardian trojan, that might have infiltrated your system.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you remove Skyjem.com:

1. Install a Trusted Anti-Malware Program: Choose a reliable anti-malware software that can detect and remove browser hijackers and trojans.
2. Run a Full System Scan: Perform a thorough scan of your computer to identify and remove Skyjem.com, InternetGuardian, and any other related threats.
3. Reset Your Browser Settings: After removing the malware, reset your browser settings to default to undo any changes made by the hijacker.
4. Update Your Security Software: Regularly update your anti-malware software to protect against future infections.
5. Be Cautious with Downloads: Avoid downloading software from untrustworthy sites. Stick to official and reputable sources to minimize the risk of malware infections.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove the Skyjem.com browser hijacker from your computer and restore your browser to its original state.