Browser Helper Object - Info
Browser Helper Object (BHOs)/Browser Plug-in: A software component that interacts with a Web browser to provide capabilities or perform functions not otherwise included in the browser. Typical examples are plug-ins to display specific graphic formats, to play multimedia files or to add toolbars which include search or anti-phishing services. Plug-ins can also perform potentially unwanted behaviors such as redirecting search results or monitoring user browsing behavior, connections history, or installing other unwanted software like nuisance or harmful adware.
Installing Browser Help Objects
Browser Help Objects are plug-ins designed to extend the functionality of browsers. Like so many security vulnerabilities, this one started as a good idea, which has been exploited. Typical behaviors of Browser Help Objects include:
- Installing unwanted search assistant toolbars
- Displaying banner ads
- Redirecting homepages
- Displaying pop-up and pop-behind ads
In addition to exhibiting these unwanted behaviors, Browser Help Objects can be difficult to remove and sometime requires editing the Windows registry.
NB: Not all Browser Help Objects are currently considered spyware. Google Toolbar and the Adobe Acrobat reader plug-in for IE are implemented as Browser Help Objects.
