Don’t let overlooked obligations become incidents. Learn how.
Utility navigation bar redirect icon
Portal LoginSupportBlogContact
Search
Close search
Huntress Logo in Teal
  • Platform Overview
    Managed EDR

    Get full endpoint visibility, detection, and response.

    Managed EDR

    Get full endpoint visibility, detection, and response.

    Managed ITDR: Identity Threat Detection and Response

    Protect your Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace identities and email environments.

    Managed ITDR: Identity Threat Detection and Response

    Protect your Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace identities and email environments.

    Managed SIEM

    Managed threat response and robust compliance support at a predictable price.

    Managed SIEM

    Managed threat response and robust compliance support at a predictable price.

    Managed Security Awareness Training Software

    Empower your teams with science-backed security awareness training.

    Managed Security Awareness Training Software

    Empower your teams with science-backed security awareness training.

    Managed ISPM

    Continuous Microsoft 365 and identity hardening, managed and enforced by Huntress experts.

    Managed ISPM

    Continuous Microsoft 365 and identity hardening, managed and enforced by Huntress experts.

    Managed ESPM

    Proactively secure endpoints against attacks.

    Managed ESPM

    Proactively secure endpoints against attacks.

    Integrations
    Integrations
    Support Documentation
    Support Documentation
    See Huntress in Action

    Quickly deploy and manage real-time protection for endpoints, email, and employees - all from a single dashboard.

    Huntress Cybersecurity
    See Huntress in Action

    Quickly deploy and manage real-time protection for endpoints, email, and employees - all from a single dashboard.

    Huntress Cybersecurity
  • Threats We Stop
    Phishing
    Phishing
    Business Email Compromise
    Business Email Compromise
    Ransomware
    Ransomware
    Infostealers
    Infostealers
    View Allright arrowView Allright arrow
    Industries We Serve
    Education
    Education
    Financial Services
    Financial Services
    State and Local Government
    State and Local Government
    Healthcare
    Healthcare
    Law Firms
    Law Firms
    Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
    Utilities
    Utilities
    View Allright arrowView Allright arrow
    Tailored Solutions
    MSPs
    MSPs
    Resellers
    Resellers
    SMBs
    SMBs
    Compliance
    Compliance
    What Gets Overlooked Gets Exploited

    Most days, nothing happens. But one day, something will.

    Huntress Cybersecurity
    Cybercriminals Have Evolved

    Get the intel on today’s cybercriminal groups and learn how to protect yourself.

    Huntress Cybersecurity
  • Pricing
  • Community Series
    The Product Lab

    Shape the next big thing in cybersecurity together.

    The Product Lab

    Shape the next big thing in cybersecurity together.

    Fireside Chat

    Real people. Real perspectives. Better conversations.

    Fireside Chat

    Real people. Real perspectives. Better conversations.

    Tradecraft Tuesday

    No products, no pitches – just tradecraft.

    Tradecraft Tuesday

    No products, no pitches – just tradecraft.

    _declassified

    Exposing hidden truths in the world of cybersecurity.

    _declassified

    Exposing hidden truths in the world of cybersecurity.

    Resources
    Upcoming Events
    Upcoming Events
    Ebooks
    Ebooks
    On-Demand Webinars
    On-Demand Webinars
    Videos
    Videos
    Whitepapers
    Whitepapers
    Datasheets
    Datasheets
    Cybersecurity Education
    Cybersecurity 101
    Cybersecurity 101
    Cybersecurity Guides
    Cybersecurity Guides
    Threat Library
    Threat Library
    Real Tradecraft, Real Results
    Real Tradecraft, Real Results
    2026 Cyber Threat Report
    2026 Cyber Threat Report
    The Huntress Blog
    When Cybersecurity and Cyber Insurance Don’t Quite Connect—And What We’re Doing Differently with Acrisure
    Huntress Cybersecurity
    When Cybersecurity and Cyber Insurance Don’t Quite Connect—And What We’re Doing Differently with Acrisure
    Huntress Cybersecurity
    How EvilTokens Turbocharges Old School Phishing with AI
    Huntress Cybersecurity
    How EvilTokens Turbocharges Old School Phishing with AI
    Huntress Cybersecurity
    “Service Agreement” Email Kickstarts Rogue RMM Tiflux Triple Threat
    Huntress Cybersecurity
    “Service Agreement” Email Kickstarts Rogue RMM Tiflux Triple Threat
    Huntress Cybersecurity
  • Why Huntress

    Go beyond AI in the fight against today’s hackers with Huntress Managed EDR purpose-built for your needs

    Huntress Cybersecurity
    Why Huntress

    Go beyond AI in the fight against today’s hackers with Huntress Managed EDR purpose-built for your needs

    Huntress Cybersecurity
    The Huntress SOC

    24/7 Security Operations Center

    The Huntress SOC

    24/7 Security Operations Center

    Reviews

    Why businesses of all sizes trust Huntress to defend their assets

    Reviews

    Why businesses of all sizes trust Huntress to defend their assets

    Case Studies

    Learn directly from our partners how Huntress has helped them

    Case Studies

    Learn directly from our partners how Huntress has helped them

    Community

    Get in touch with the Huntress Community team

    Community

    Get in touch with the Huntress Community team

    Compare Huntress
    Bitdefender
    Bitdefender
    Blackpoint
    Blackpoint
    Breach Secure Now!
    Breach Secure Now!
    Crowdstrike
    Crowdstrike
    Datto
    Datto
    SentinelOne
    SentinelOne
    Sophos
    Sophos
    Compare Allright arrowCompare Allright arrow
  • HUNTRESS HUB

    Login to access top-notch marketing resources, tools, and training.

    Huntress Cybersecurity
    HUNTRESS HUB

    Login to access top-notch marketing resources, tools, and training.

    Huntress Cybersecurity
    Partners
    MSPs

    Join our partner community to deliver expert-led managed security.

    MSPs

    Join our partner community to deliver expert-led managed security.

    Resellers

    Partner program designed to grow your cybersecurity business.

    Resellers

    Partner program designed to grow your cybersecurity business.

    Tech Alliances

    Driving innovation through global technology Partnerships

    Tech Alliances

    Driving innovation through global technology Partnerships

    Microsoft Partnership

    A Level-Up for Your Business Security

    Microsoft Partnership

    A Level-Up for Your Business Security

  • Press Release
    Huntress Announces Collaboration with Microsoft to Strengthen Cybersecurity for Businesses of All Sizes
    Huntress Cybersecurity
    Press Release
    Huntress Announces Collaboration with Microsoft to Strengthen Cybersecurity for Businesses of All Sizes
    Huntress Cybersecurity
    Our Story

    We're on a mission to shatter the barriers to enterprise-level security.

    Our Story

    We're on a mission to shatter the barriers to enterprise-level security.

    Newsroom

    Explore press releases, news articles, media interviews and more.

    Newsroom

    Explore press releases, news articles, media interviews and more.

    Meet the Team

    Founded by former NSA Cyber Operators. Backed by security researchers.

    Meet the Team

    Founded by former NSA Cyber Operators. Backed by security researchers.

    Careers

    Ready to shake up the cybersecurity world? Join the hunt.

    Careers

    Ready to shake up the cybersecurity world? Join the hunt.

    Awards
    Awards
    Contact Us
    Contact Us
  • Portal Login
  • Support
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Search
  • Get a Demo
  • Start for Free
Portal LoginSupportBlogContact
Search
Close search
Get a Demo
Start for Free
HomeCybersecurity 101
Browser Helper Objective

What is a Browser Helper Objective?

Written by: Monica Burgess

Published:

woman at laptop
ChatGPT logoChatGPTOpens in new tabClaude logoClaudeOpens in new tabPerplexity logoPerplexityOpens in new tabGoogle Gemini logoGoogle AIOpens in new tab
AI sparkle iconSummarize This Page
ChatGPT logoChatGPTOpens in new tabClaude logoClaudeOpens in new tabPerplexity logoPerplexityOpens in new tabGoogle Gemini logoGoogle AIOpens in new tab
On This Page
Breaking it down: browser helper object explained
Why do BHOs matter in cybersecurity?

A Browser Helper Object (or BHO) is a small program designed to add extra features and functionality to your web browser. Think of it like a browser add-on or extension that enhances the browsing experience.

However, not all BHOs are created with good intentions. Some can be used maliciously to track your activity, change your browser settings, or even steal sensitive information, making them a significant cybersecurity concern.

Breaking it down: browser helper object explained

BHOs were introduced by Microsoft to allow developers to integrate new tools into Internet Explorer. For example, a BHO might enable features like toolbars, pop-up blockers, or form autofill. These programs usually run in the background as part of the browser and activate automatically when you start your browsing session.

While many BHOs are helpful and legitimate, cybercriminals quickly realized they could exploit BHOs to distribute malware or spy on users. Malicious BHOs can inject unwanted ads, redirect you to shady websites, or even capture login credentials. Yikes, right?

The good news is that modern browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge no longer support BHOs. But if you’re still using older versions of Internet Explorer (first of all, why?), it’s crucial to keep an eye on your active BHOs. Keep them updated or remove suspicious ones altogether to fend off potential threats.

Why do BHOs matter in cybersecurity?

BHOs are tied directly to cybersecurity because they operate without visible signs most of the time. A malicious BHO installed on your browser could give attackers a way to monitor your online activity or steal data without you realizing it. And since BHOs typically have permissions to interact with web pages or access secure data, one compromised tool could jeopardize sensitive information like passwords and bank details.

How to protect yourself

  • Stay updated: Make sure your browser and operating system are running the latest secure versions.

  • Check active add-ons: If you’re using Internet Explorer, regularly review your BHOs and disable anything you don’t recognize.

  • Use antivirus software: A good security tool can detect and block malicious BHOs.

  • Avoid suspicious downloads: Only download add-ons or plugins from trusted sources.

The era of BHOs might be fading, but the lesson here is timeless. Always be skeptical of programs or tools that run behind the scenes. Transparency and security checks are your best allies.

ChatGPT logoChatGPTOpens in new tabClaude logoClaudeOpens in new tabPerplexity logoPerplexityOpens in new tabGoogle Gemini logoGoogle AIOpens in new tab
AI sparkle iconSummarize This Page
ChatGPT logoChatGPTOpens in new tabClaude logoClaudeOpens in new tabPerplexity logoPerplexityOpens in new tabGoogle Gemini logoGoogle AIOpens in new tab
On This Page
Breaking it down: browser helper object explained
Why do BHOs matter in cybersecurity?

Browser Helper Objective (BHO) FAQs

They can be. While some BHOs are safe and useful, others are designed to exploit browsers, track users, or steal sensitive info. It’s wise to verify and disable any untrusted BHOs.

Signs include unexpected changes to your browser settings (like new toolbars or homepage redirects), increased popup ads, or slower browsing speeds. Use a trusted antivirus tool to scan for malicious BHOs.

Modern browsers like Chrome and Edge prioritize speed, security, and simplicity. BHOs created vulnerabilities that hackers exploited, so browsers moved away from supporting them.

Yes! Most antivirus programs are equipped to detect and remove malicious BHOs. They also help prevent future threats by blocking risky installations.

Glitch effectBlurry glitch effect
Glitch effect

Additional Resources

  • Read more about What is adware protection? How to detect, prevent & remove adware
    What is adware protection? How to detect, prevent & remove adware
    What is adware protection? How to detect, prevent & remove adware
    Adware can slow systems, hijack browsers, and expose personal data. Learn how it works, how to detect it early, and the best tools to remove it.
  • Read more about What is HTTP/3? A Guide for Cybersecurity Pros
    What is HTTP/3? A Guide for Cybersecurity Pros
    What is HTTP/3? A Guide for Cybersecurity Pros
    Explore what HTTP/3 is, why it matters for cybersecurity, and how it improves website performance with speed, security, and modern protocols.
  • Read more about What Is a Browser Extension? How They Work & Security Risks
    What Is a Browser Extension? How They Work & Security Risks
    What Is a Browser Extension? How They Work & Security Risks
    A browser extension is a small software add-on that customizes your web experience—blocking ads, managing passwords, and more. Learn how they work, how they interact with websites, and how to stay safe while using them.
  • Read more about What Is Cryptojacking? Signs, Risks & Defense Tips
    What Is Cryptojacking? Signs, Risks & Defense Tips
    What Is Cryptojacking? Signs, Risks & Defense Tips
    Learn what cryptojacking is, how it works, and how to stay safe. Find signs, security tips, and simple steps for keeping your devices protected.
  • Read more about What is Recovery Time Objective (RTO)?
    What is Recovery Time Objective (RTO)?
    What is Recovery Time Objective (RTO)?
    Learn about Recovery Time Objective (RTO) and its role in disaster recovery. Explore how RTO is calculated, its importance, and examples across industries to ensure business continuity.
  • Read more about What is a Form Grabber? | Cybersecurity Definition
    What is a Form Grabber? | Cybersecurity Definition
    What is a Form Grabber? | Cybersecurity Definition
    Learn how form grabber malware steals passwords and sensitive data from web browsers. Learn new protection strategies and detection methods.
  • Read more about What is Dangling Markup?
    What is Dangling Markup?
    What is Dangling Markup?
    Dangling Markup exploits unclosed HTML tags, making web applications vulnerable. Understand its risks, examples, and how to build defenses against it.
  • Read more about What is Recovery Point Objective (RPO)?
    What is Recovery Point Objective (RPO)?
    What is Recovery Point Objective (RPO)?
    Learn about recovery point objective (RPO)—a key metric in data recovery that helps minimize data loss, protect critical assets, and support strong cybersecurity strategies.
  • Read more about What Is Traitorware? How Hackers Weaponize Legit Apps
    What Is Traitorware? How Hackers Weaponize Legit Apps
    What Is Traitorware? How Hackers Weaponize Legit Apps
    Traitorware turns trusted apps into cyber weapons, bypassing MFA and hiding in plain sight. Learn how these attacks work and what you can do to stay protected.
Glitch effectGlitch effect

Protect What Matters

Secure endpoints, email, and employees with the power of our 24/7 SOC. Try Huntress for free and deploy in minutes to start fighting threats.
Try Huntress for Free
Huntress Managed Security PlatformManaged EDRManaged EDR for macOSManaged EDR for LinuxManaged ITDRManaged SIEMManaged Security Awareness TrainingManaged ISPMManaged ESPMBook a Demo
PhishingComplianceBusiness Email CompromiseEducationFinanceHealthcareManufacturingState & Local Government
Managed Service ProvidersResellersIT & Security Teams24/7 SOCCase Studies
BlogResource CenterCybersecurity 101Upcoming EventsSupport Documentation
Our CompanyLeadershipNews & PressCareersContact Us
Huntress white logo

Protecting 250k+ customers like you with enterprise-grade protection.

Privacy PolicyCookie PolicyTerms of UseCookie Consent
Linkedin iconTwitter X iconYouTube iconInstagram icon
© 2025 Huntress All Rights Reserved.

Join the Hunt

Get insider access to Huntress tradecraft, killer events, and the freshest blog updates.

By submitting this form, you accept our Terms of Service & Privacy Policy