Earthling

What to do if your browser starts redirecting to illicit material

Remove it, then report it. The first priority should be just getting it off of your machine and returning normal function to your computer.

1. How To Remove it:

   If you already have an anti-spyware/virus application on your computer like the EarthLink Protection Control Center, disconnect from the internet and start up the software if it's not already on. Perform a full scan of your machine and let the scan run its course. Remove any viruses or spyware the program finds. Once you've done that, restart your computer and run a second scan. Some spyware deliberately tries to hide from any kind of scan, so it's important to go through this again once after restart and again delete anything it finds.

   In most cases, this will restore your computer to normal function. But because spyware is something of an arms race with programmers constantly working to defeat the tools, the path to a fully clean computer might require some extra steps in some extreme cases. Many experts suggest the extra step of starting up your computer again, this time in safe mode by pressing F8 when you see the first startup screen. When you see a bunch of hardware and memory information on the screen, press F8. Choose the "Safe Mode" option. This will temporarily protect your computer from additional damage, but it will also temporarily stop your computer from connecting to the internet via dial-up or direct DSL connection. From there, run a third-party standalone anti-spyware program like ad-aware and remove anything it recommends. After a restart to get out of safe mode, you should be in good shape. From there, you'll also want to open up the preferences of your web browser and clear all cache, cookies, and temporary internet files.

2. How To Report it:

   If you believe you've ran across child pornography anywhere, especially as part of a spyware infestation on your computer, report it to the National Center For Missing and Exploited Children. Use their Cyber Tipline page to get more information and drop a dime on the perpetrators. You can use the orange "Report" button to send them a report. (It's a fairly clunky web interface, but if you fill it out, they'll probably get enough information that they won't need to call you back for more details.)

   Liza adds, "Remember, the possession of child pornography for any reason is a federal felony, so after you report it, make sure you've cleaned your cache, cookies, and temporary internet files. Don't go out looking for more examples to report. And please don't send the URL to us!"
   

   Update: I was having internet troubles today, and in the confusion failed to add on the "how to avoid a hijacking in the first place" part of it. Here are a few tips from Ben on that:

   • Get to know the products you are thinking about installing to your computer. Read
     the EULA's(End-User License Agreement) thoroughly to make sure you know everything that's being installed in the package.
     
   • If you choose to surf the internet for sexual content, know that that will increase the risk of spyware finding its way to your machine. The same goes for looking for hacked software.
     
   • Don't agree to install anything unless you know what it is and are comfortable with its purpose on your computer.