S3 dot amazonaws dot com Redirect
Users experiencing constant redirects in their browser of choice that keep flinging them to s3 dot amazonaws dot com pages likely have a browser hijacker on their system.
It should be noted that s3 dot amazonaws dot com is part of a legitimate content delivery network operated by Amazon, with "aws" in the address standing for "Amazon Web Services". However, chunks of this content delivery network can also be rented out and used for illegal purposes by bad actors, which is also the case here.
Malicious ads and fake software updates are just a couple of the proliferation methods of browser hijackers such as this. Another popular distribution method used for spreading browser hijackers and similar software, together referred to as "potentially unwanted programs", is bundle installers. Bundle installers are usually found on free download websites and might contain one legitimate application, bundled together with one or more potentially unwanted programs.
Those installers would generally have poor disclosure of their full contents and potentially unwanted programs will install quietly, without the user's full knowledge or consent.
Once on your system, a hijacker will usually be able to redirect your searches through its custom search engine. In a lot of cases the so-called "custom engine" simply grabs the user's query, records it and then feeds it into a normal, legitimate search engine such as Yahoo or Bing. Additionally, browser hijackers will often change the browser's home page and default search engine. When combined, those behaviors are what classify hijackers as potentially unwanted programs - not nearly on the same threat level as full-blown malware, but still a nuisance and a potential threat to the user's privacy.
The best way to steer clear of this type of potentially unwanted software is to only use legitimate, well-curated and popular download portals. Don't trust ransom browser pop-ups and ads that tell you just won a brand new expensive iPhone. Don't click any pop-ups that claim to have an update for your Flash Player either, as Flash Player has been phased out and no longer works in any browser. Use your common sense and a reliable anti-malware suite to stay safe and keep your system clean.
