Is This a Malware?

Not sure if it is the right forum for this topic.

Since yesterday, sometimes, my browser is redirecting to other sites such as "tripadvisor", "easyfortrip" etc., when I am clicking on a thread at Indiamike.

This happened in case of a few google search results as well.

Please let me know if it is a malware?

Thanks!

You may find solutions at "http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic431273.html" and "http://www.computing.net/answers/security/browser-redirecting-to-other-websites/35127.html".

Thanks for your prompt response Prakaant.

This was really helpful. My whole day today was spent on getting rid of this menace.

Cheers.

That link was rather long and technical. Does it mean that yes, it was a malware in the user's computer? Did TripAdvisor pay a hacker to distribute such malware?!

It sounds just like those taxi drivers who tell you your hotel has burnt down and they will take you to another one that's better and cheaper anyway!

It was indeed a malware (an adware rather, as per the terminology).

It has nothing to do with tripadvisor (or any other firm from tourism industry) in particular.

It picks key words from the link you click upon. For instance, if I clicked on "Road/traffic conditions in Uttarakhand", the adware directed me to automobile related site.

Why would the adware do this favor for TripAdvisor if they are not being paid for it?

It could be tripadvisor activated cookies/adware ...

So that would mean TripAdvisor actually put something in your computer to hijack it to their site when you click something travel related? That's nasty! Sounds like something that should be called Malware or even a virus.

I feel, this article and this article could be a good read.