Google Redirect Virus is a kind of infection that stays hidden from user for some time. It is not like fake AVs or ransomware applications that pop up into your screen and you know immediately that trouble is there. This threat is a complimentary infection that might have a few components which makes it hard to remove Google Redirect Virus.

The truth is that, Google Redirect Virus is actually a general name for browser hijacker infections that forcefully redirect users' search results to predetermined websites. That having been said, it is important to determine the exact category of this infection. Even though it is generally called a "virus", this infection does not function like one. Based on what it does to target computer and browser, it can actually be called a rootkit or a Trojan. It is the rootkit features that allow Google Redirect Virus to avoid detection. Also, Google Redirect Virus cannot spread on its own accord - it needs to be delivered onto the target computer via security loopholes and various system vulnerabilities.

Another important thing to note about Google Redirect Virus is that this infection is not restricted to Google Search engine only. The infection can as well corrupt Bing and Yahoo! Search engines, redirecting your search results to corrupted websites. As I have mentioned above, it is a multi-component infection that is called Google Redirect Virus for simplicity's sake. In reality, quite a few notorious Trojans have been known to be part of this computer threat. For example, Tidserv and Trojan Alureon are known to use the same rootkit to enter target systems.

Once Google Redirect Virus gets into the target computer, it starts collecting private information for marketing purposes. Then it monitors your browsing habits and generates misleading advertisements. The infection is able to disrupt your usual Internet browsing experience because it alters DNS settings on the affected computer.

Luckily, reports say that servers related the control of this infection were shut down by the FBI in July 2012. It might be only a matter of time before a similar infection comes back, but if it does, you can easily remove Google Redirect Virus on your own. However, keep in mind that it is necessary to perform a full system scan with a legitimate antimalware tool, to make sure that no rootkits remain in your system. Remember that rootkits are the ones responsible for hiding dangerous infections from you, so it is important that you terminate them using a program that can detect them and delete them at once.