This article only applies if you have opted to renew your F-Secure SAFE subscription manually. If your subscription is reaching an end, and you have...
Our Windows XP support for F-Secure SAFE and F-Secure Internet Security came to an end in June 2016, after providing an extended period of support for...
DNS hijacking or DNS redirection is the practice of rerouting your Internet browsing so that the traffic can be monitored, controlled, or redirected – for example to fake banking sites without you noticing it.
Typically, DNS hijacking can happen in two ways; your devices are infected with DNS changer malware, or vulnerabilities in your home router software allowing hijackers to take control of your home router.
DNS changer malware
Malware can have various functionalities. Most of the malware in circulation at the moment have some form of business logic that typically relies on a large number of infected devices. The effect is that, instead of the normal ads available on the web sites, you would see something else. This allows DNS changing malware criminals to generate large sums of money with the ‘altered’ ads and the links you are clicking on.
Vulnerabilities in your home router software
DNS hijacking is possible by taking your home router in control. This method utilizes the vulnerabilities in your home router software. Old firmware versions have bugs, vulnerabilities, or design flaws which allow hijackers to creep into your home and into your router box. The effect is similar whereby normal ads displayed on the web sites are masked with fake ones.
Impact of DNS hijacking
Altered advertising – less dangerous but more annoying as you may see porn ads on normal pages you visit with the family PC.
Advertising space is used to show notifications or warnings that may trick you into doing things that you are not supposed to.
Total redirection to a fake website where your Internet usage is spied on to collect personal information, usernames and passwords, or even banking credentials.
Question What do I do if I get a Blue Screen when installing F-Secure security product to a Windows 10 system?
Answer On a fresh Windows 10 system
In case of a Blue Screen when installing F-Secure security product to a Windows 10 machine:
Boot the computer in Safe mode with networking.
Download and run the Uninstallation Tool for Windows. You can download the tool here.
Once done, boot the computer in Normal mode.
Check and install any pending Windows Updates.
Reinstall the F-Secure security product.
During OS upgrade
If you get a Blue Screen during a Windows 10 upgrade, the operating system upgrade fails and returns to its original state. In such rare cases:
Uninstall the F-Secure application manually.
Perform the Windows 10 upgrade.
Reinstall the F-Secure security product.
Question What web browsers does Banking protection support?
Answer Banking protection supports the following web browsers:
Internet Explorer 9 and newer,
Firefox, two latest major versions,
Chrome, two latest major versions.
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We are sorry to inform you that we will stop further development of our F-Secure App Permissions application for Android. Google recently announced a switch to a runtime permissions model in Android 6.0, allowing users to have more information on and control over their apps. For this reason, we feel that F-Secure App Permissions core features are already covered by improvements in the operating system, and we will stop the further development of the application and remove it from the application stores. If you have the application installed, it will continue working, but it will not receive any updates. If you are looking for a service that offers a comprehensive overview of recommended and privacy friendly applications, or control over internet usage settings for children or privacy for wireless network or internet banking, we recommend you to try F-Secure SAFE or F-Secure Freedome for free at www.f-secure.com/safe or www.f-secure.com/freedome. We appreciate your support for our products.