An infection with the dangerous directweblinks(.com) browser hijacker leads to serious security issues. Victims can restore and protect their computers by following our complete removal guide..
Remove directweblinks(.com) Browser Hijacker and Restore PC
Manual Removal Guide
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Distribution of directweblinks(.com) Browser Hijacker
directweblinks(.com) is a popular browser hijacker that has recently been reported to spread through various attacks worldwide. At the moment the security experts have not been able to identify a single tactic that is being used to infect the targets. We presume that the hackers are using several of the most important methods to carry out the malicious campaigns.
A common way of setting browser hijacker attacks is the use of email spam messages. They may directly distribute malicious file attachments containing scripts that lead to an infection. Other cases can utilize complex social engineering tricks and hyperlinks that are specifically made to confuse the intended targets into infecting themselves. Two more scenarios that are used in combination with email messages rely on infected files used as payloads ‒ documents and software installers.
- Infected Software Installers ‒ The criminals craft malicious packages made out of legitimate software installers. They are taken from the official vendor download sites, modified and then posted on online sites or attached (either as file attachments) or linked in the email messages.
- Infected Documents ‒ They represent dangerous files that usually come in the form of some of the most popular document types: rich text documents, spreadsheets and databases. When the users open them up a notification prompt will ask them to enable the built-in scripts (macros). If this is done then the malware is installed on the victim computer.
The malware browser plugins can be uploaded to hacker-controlled sites and P2P networks like BitTorrent as well. The hacker operators frequently utilize template design, text and images to create portals that look like legitimate download sources. They may also use domain names that are very similar to legitimate sites and advertise them via pop-ups or ad networks.
The browser hijacker code associated with the directweblinks(.com) redirect can be found in numerous malware toolbars. They are usually made for the most popular web browsers: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari, Microsoft Edge. They can be distributed on such download sites or even on the browsers repositories (such as the Chrome Web Store for Google Chrome) using fake developer accounts.
A copy of the malware is also available from the main page of the redirect (directweblinks(.com)). If the targets do not have it installed then a download prompt is initiated.
Impact of directweblinks(.com) Browser Hijacker
When the toolbar is installed the following malicious actions may take place (depending on the current configuration):
- Browser Modification ‒ Most of the redirects of this type install code into the victim browsers that changes important settings: the default home page, search engine or new tabs page.
- Tracking Cookies Imposition ‒ When the users enter the site for the first time a tracking cookies is installed in their web browser which allows the site operators to track their interaction and record detailed information about them.
- Information Harvesting ‒ Using the infected browsers the controllers can retrieve sensitive information about the users. The list includes the following: form data, bookmarks, settings, passwords and account credentials.
Once the directweblinks(.com) browser hijacker instance has been deployed the users are redirected to the portal page. It is designed in a typical style in several main sections. The top section lists the title of the page (DIRECT WEB LINKS) along with a tagline (only the best websites!) followed by a customized search box.
The search engine itself is a “All the Internet” powered redirect which results in customized queries. The visitors may not receive the best results and in most cases browser hijackers usually result in sponsored sites which generate income for the hacker controllers. Portals like this one can be used to llink to malware instances or dangerous scripts which present a real threat to the security of the victims.
Below the search box there are links placed in a grid. They showcase various popular services and categories of sites. The aim of the directweblinks(.com) site is to retain as many users as possible by providing the victims with a lot of links that they might find useful.
The privacy policy lists some of the dangers associated with the site interaction. When the computer users access the site private information is downloaded by the site operators. It includes their names, address, e-mail address, phone numbers and etc. The servers also collect the ip address and domain names of the visitors. All collected data is used for web analytics purposes. The hackers obtain detailed information on each visitor: measure number of visits, average time spent on Direct Web Links, pages viewed, etc.
The directweblinks(.com) Browser Hijacker may be used to present surveys and questionnaires regarding various sponsored products and services. It is possible that the datasets can be used to create a profile of each user.
Remove directweblinks(.com) Browser Hijacker and Restore PC
WARNING! Manual removal of the directweblinks(.com) browser hijacker requires being familiar with system files and registries. Removing important data accidentally can lead to permanent system damage. If you don’t feel comfortable with manual instructions, download a powerful anti-malware tool that will scan your system for malware and clean it safely for you.
SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter
directweblinks(.com) Browser Hijacker – Manual Removal Steps
Start the PC in Safe Mode with Network
This will isolate all files and objects created by the ransomware so they will be removed efficiently. The steps bellow are applicable to all Windows versions.
1. Hit the WIN Key + R
2. A Run window will appear. In it, write msconfig and then press Enter
3. A Configuration box shall appear. In it Choose the tab named Boot
4. Mark Safe Boot option and then go to Network under it to tick it too
5. Apply -> OK
Remove directweblinks.com from Windows
Here’s a way to remove the program. This method will work regardless if you’re on Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP. Simply selecting the program and pressing delete won’t work, as it’ll leave a lot of small files. That’s bad because these leftovers can linger on and cause all sorts of problems. The best way to delete a program is to uninstall it. Here’s how you can do that:
1. Hold the “Windows” button (It’s between CTRL and Alt on most keyboards) and press “R”. You’ll see a pop-up window.
2. In the textbox, type “appwiz.cpl”, then press“ Enter ”.
3. The “Programs and features” menu should now appear. It’s a list of all the programs installed on the PC. Here you can find the program, select it, and press “Uninstall“.
Remove directweblinks.com Virus From Your Browser
Before resetting your browser’s settings, you should know that this action will wipe out all your recorded usernames, passwords, and other types of data. Make sure to save them in some way.
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1. Start Mozilla Firefox. In the upper right corner, click on the Open menu icon and select “Add-ons“.
2. Inside the Add-ons Manager select “Extensions“. Search the list of extensions for suspicious entries. If you find any, select them and click “Remove“.
3. Click again on the Open menu icon, then click “Options“.
4. In the Options window, under “General” tab, click “Restore to Default“.
5. Select “Search” in the left menu, mark the unknown search engine and press “Remove”.
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1. Start Google Chrome. On the upper-right corner, there a “Customize and Control” menu icon. Click on it, then click on “Settings“.
2. Click “Extensions” in the left menu. Then click on the trash bin icon to remove the suspicious extension.
3. Again in the left menu, under Chrome, Click on “Settings“. Go under “On Startup” and set a new page.
4. Afterward, scroll down to “Search“, click on “Manage search engines“.
5. In the default search settings list, find the unknown search engine and click on “X“. Then select your search engine of choice and click “Make default“. When you are ready click “Done” button in the right bottom corner.
2. In the “Manage add-ons” window, bellow “Add-on Types“, select “Toolbars and Extensions“. If you see a suspicious toolbar, select it and click “Remove“.
3. Then again in the “Manage Add-ons” window, in “Add-on Types“, Select “Search Providers“. Chose a search engine and click “Set as default“. Select the unknown search engine and click “Remove and Close”.
4. Open the Tools menu, select “Internet Options”.
5. In the “General” tab, in “Home page”, enter your preferred page. Click “Apply” and “OK”.
Repair Windows Registry
1. Again type simultaneously the WIN Key + R key combination
2. In the box, write regedit and hit Enter
3. Type the CTRL+ F and then write the malicious name in the search type field to locate the malicious executable
4. In case you have discovered registry keys and values related to the name, you should delete them, but be careful not to delete legitimate keys
Click for more information about Windows Registry and further repair help
