Millions of Browsers Hijacked in Widespread Cyber Attack
A significant cyberattack has targeted millions of users of Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge browsers, with reports indicating that approximately 2.3 million individuals may have been affected by a widespread browser hijacking campaign. The Register reported on this incident on July 8, 2025, detailing the scope and nature of the malicious activity.
The campaign appears to exploit vulnerabilities or employ deceptive tactics to gain unauthorized control over users’ browser settings. While specific technical details of the attack vectors are still emerging, browser hijacking typically involves the unauthorized modification of browser homepage, search engine preferences, or the injection of unwanted advertisements and redirects. This can significantly disrupt the user experience and potentially expose individuals to further online threats.
The sheer scale of this operation, impacting millions of users across two of the most popular browsers, highlights the sophisticated and far-reaching nature of current cyber threats. Users who have inadvertently fallen victim to such hijacking may find their browsing sessions redirected to malicious websites, their search queries compromised, or their devices bombarded with intrusive pop-up ads. In more severe cases, these hijacked browsers can serve as a gateway for further malware infections or phishing attempts.
Security researchers are actively investigating the origins and full extent of this campaign. The Register’s report serves as a crucial alert, prompting users to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to safeguard their online activities.
For users concerned about their browser’s security, it is advisable to immediately review their browser’s settings, particularly the homepage and search engine configurations, and reset them to their preferred defaults. Additionally, running reputable antivirus and anti-malware software is essential to detect and remove any potentially installed malicious extensions or software.
This incident underscores the ongoing need for robust cybersecurity practices and user awareness in navigating the digital landscape. Further updates on this developing situation are expected as investigations continue.
Massive browser hijacking campaign infects 2.3M Chrome, Edge users
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