Google Chrome Redirect Virus

The name Google Chrome Redirect Virus is a catch-all term for adware and browser hijacker apps that affect the behaviour of the Google Chrome web browser. The goal of these apps is to take control over certain browser settings - homepage, new page tab, default search engine, and set to open a promoted address. As a result, whenever an affected Chrome browser is opened, it would immediately generate artificial traffic towards the address. The same will also happen when a search query is initiated, or a new tab is started.

In the vast majority of cases, browser hijackers are used as vehicles for promoting a fake search engine that is incapable of producing results on its own. Instead, the searches of the user will be redirected directly to a legitimate engine or taken through a redirect chain involving multiple fake engines before finally reaching a real one. Keep in mind that searches initiated in a browser affected by a Google Chrome Redirect virus may have numerous sponsored ads injected into them. The display ad links may not even match the search criteria.

The biggest red flag surrounding the presence of a Google Chrome Redirect Virus on your system is that the app may have data-harvesting functionality. Various user data could be monitored, collected, and uploaded to a server under the control of the app's creators. Among the accessed data may be the user's browsing history, clicked URLs, conducted searches, IP address, and more. In the most dangerous cases, the browser hijackers may try to reach sensitive payment or banking details if such have been saved into the affected browser.

The best method for removing Google Chrome Redirect virus applications is to install a reputable anti-malware solution and let it scan your computer system. Get rid of all suspicious apps that are detected in the scan.