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Glite Dictionary
✈️ A vehicle thief 💻 A computer attacker
hijacker

hijacker

1 7.2
A program or attacker that takes control of a web browser to show unwanted pages and steal data
  • noun
  • /ˈhaɪdʒækər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : secuestrador de navegador
  • To protect your privacy online, it is essential to be aware of potential hijackers that can take control of your sessions.
  • browser hijacker

Examples

  • Remove Searchfunmoods.com hijacker that promotes it in a way inherent to misleading and illegal URL.

    Blog text (5)

  • Hijackers like to enter blameless blog sites and set the one-way links (typically with a website that has connected with 'enlargements').

    Blog text (31)

  • Searchfunmoods.com has a browser hijacker that ensures a stable flow of visitors to the URL.

    Blog text (5)

  • If your browser keeps opening the URL in question under various conditions, especially if that restricts your access to other websites, removal of the Searchfunmoods.com hijacker is needed.

    Blog text (5)

  • A hijacker can manipulate your browser to show unwanted advertisements and steal personal information.

  • Many users unknowingly download programs that act as hijackers, compromising their online security.

Synonyms

cracker
vshijacker
  • Specialized
8 9.3

A person who breaks computer security to steal or damage data

targets online browsing sessions specifically to take control or inject content
exploiter
vshijacker
  • Specialized
8.9

A person who finds and uses software weaknesses to break into computer systems

focuses on controlling online sessions and redirecting or stealing from browsers
back-door bandit
vshijacker
  • US
9.9

A person who secretly breaks into computer systems to steal information

enters user sessions or browsers to redirect traffic or show unwanted pages

Antonyms

protector
129 2.8

A person who defends and cares for another person or thing

How Harmful

rootkit
  • Specialized
3 9.8
malware
  • Specialized
43 4.3
hijacker
  • Specialized
1 7.2
spyware
  • Specialized
21 4.8
adware
  • Specialized
2 4.4

Surface Forms

hijacker singular
hijackers plural

Morphology

hijacker = hijack (transparent) = hijack + er

Formation is the regular agentive '-er' added to 'hijack'; the computing sense is a direct extension of taking control, so learners can derive the meaning.

Etymology

Hijacker is also used for a program or attacker that takes control of a web browser or online session. This meaning is a direct picture of the original sense—just like a person who seizes a bus, a digital hijacker 'takes control' of your page or traffic.