Browser Hacking Hits Mainstream

CYBERSPACE – As lawmakers consider ways to outlaw spyware and adware, another invasive computer program is catching the eye of mainstream, and this time it involves an assault of porn content against computer users.

Security analyst have already determined that as many as 90 percent of all computers contain unauthorized spyware downloads, but the emergence of a browser hijacking program called CoolWebSearch, also known as CWS, could be the next big malware threat to face security software experts.

At present, the makers behind CWS are unknown, but it is so far being considered one of the more invasive browser hijackers in existence, with the exception of Xupiter, a similarly programmed toolbar program that downloads randomly onto a computer hard drive and can change users' designated homepages, download other programs, redirect all searches to other sites, and block any attempts to restore the original browser settings.

After first being spotted last summer, CWS has reportedly incarnated itself into more than a dozen different variants. It has also been called the most "complex, invisible and devious hijacker" ever programmed, according to an expert who has followed CWS' progress from the beginning.

By definition, malware is short for malicious software that is designed specifically to damage or disrupt a system, such as a virus or a Trojan horse. Browser hackers like CWS and its brethren Xupiter can change browser settings and change default settings, and in CWS' case, the program launches a continuous assualt of porn pop-ups. The malware program also bookmarks hardcore porn sites in the users' browser.

CWS has also been known to hijack personal information off an infected computer and some of its variants can automatically update their own source code.

CWS variants are being detected on a weekly basis and the majority of antivirus programs can do little, if anything, to stop it from infecting a system. In some instances, the malware program can self-install without requiring the consent of the user.

Only computers running Microsoft's Windows operating system and Explorer browsers are vulnerable.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

JuicyAds Wins Trademark Infringement Case Against Fraudulent Domain

JuicyAds has won its World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) case against a website using a similar domain to impersonate the company's site and defraud customers.

Anissa Kate, Jordan Starr Top AEBN for Q2 of 2025

AEBN has published its top-selling stars for the second quarter of 2025, with Anissa Kate landing atop the leaderboard for straight theaters and Jordan Starr heading up the gay rankings.

AEBN Reveals Eva Maxim as Top Trans Star for Q2 of 2025

AEBN has published its top trans stars list for the second quarter of 2025, with Eva Maxim landing atop the leaderboard.

France Reinstates Age Verification Rule for EU Sites

France’s highest court, the Council of State, on Tuesday reinstated age verification rules for EU-based sites under the country’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law, ruling in favor of the French government and against Hammy Media.

Whisper Fans Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

Whisper Fans has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Utherverse Launches 'Red Light Center' Virtual World

Virtual reality and metaverse technology company Utherverse has launched its new virtual world, RedLightCenter.io.

European Commission Approves AV Guidelines, Unveils Prototype App

The European Commission on Monday released its final, approved guidelines for protecting minors online under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) and made public a “white label” age verification app intended to help sites and platforms comply with age verification rules under the DSA.

New Membership Site 'Sluts Corner' Launches

R18 Entertainment has launched a new membership site, SlutsCorner.com.

Show More