Why does my home page keep changing to "About Blank"?

A browser typically defaults to the "About:Blank" page when a hijacker program is installed on the user's computer. Hijacker programs generally attempt to take control of the browser and change the information that is displayed in an attempt to push ads or otherwise defraud the user.

Symptoms of browser hijacking include numerous pop-up ads, new toolbars and the inability to visit certain websites. Hijacking software can also cause a computer system to run much more slowly. In order to rid a computer of a hijacking infection, the user can install a software program that clears the infection and resets the Internet browser.