Why does a URL automatically redirect to another URL?
Why does a URL automatically redirect to another URL?
In a chrome browser tab, this link
https://r.linksprf.com/v1/redirect?...76...advertiser will automatically redirect to
https://pages.tmall.com/wow/a/act/t...xc...mCNV9t0BSQ
pressing the back button won’t take you back.
Is this a malicious software?
Could it be caused by a chrome extension?
What should I do to stop it?
Thanks
Is this behavior caused by a Chrome extension or malware? The redirection to another page or the inability to return after being redirected? You cannot go back to the previous page, as it was redirected through its HTML code. This isn’t due to an extension or malware.
However, the redirection of r.linksprf.com is difficult to verify, as there’s limited information available about this site, and many users have reported their Chrome acting strangely. They’ve also mentioned that random links related to r.linksprf.com appear unexpectedly. Some attribute this issue to an extension. Check your extensions list for any suspicious or malicious ones.
Upon further investigation, the redirection case appears to be potentially harmful. Visiting r.linksprf.com may lead you to SRVTRCK. If you search for SRVTRCK online, you’ll find details about its function. It redirects users to advertising companies or sponsored content, which can affect infected browsers. See the Bitdefender Community post for more information and removal steps.
EDIT: Both r.srvtrck.com and r.linksprf.com seem identical.
It’s advisable to install a reliable antivirus and scan your computer to ensure safety.
Is the behavior caused by a Chrome extension or malware? Are there redirections to other pages or issues with going back after being redirected? > My response, both the redirection to another page and the inability to return after being redirected are present. > The r.linksprf.com will appear randomly in a Chrome tab. I am using the default Microsoft Defender Antivirus that comes with Windows, but it does not detect it. What antivirus would you suggest? If I leave this issue alone, would it be acceptable? Would it be safe to use my browser for banking, Gmail, or any site requiring a password login? Thank you.
The inability to backtrack, as previously discussed, is considered normal when a site redirects you via its HTML code. The redirection is also included in the link, indicating that the link was intentionally set up to redirect. This does not imply malware is responsible for the redirection. Instead, malware may be involved in creating or managing these redirects.
This behavior is likely caused by an extension. Extensions are the most probable cause of a random webpage opening, although if you notice this even when Chrome is fully closed, it suggests the issue isn’t limited to extensions but rather involves the computer itself redirecting you.
Personally, I use the free version of Kaspersky, which performs well. However, reputable antivirus solutions from companies like Bitdefender, ESET, McAfee, and Windows Defender are also effective. Windows Defender tends to be less secure, especially against large viruses, and other antivirus programs often include additional features not present in the free version.
Additionally, I believe antivirus software may not be able to identify suspicious extensions unless they are already in its database. Since these extensions simply redirect you to a site, it’s hard to determine if they’re harmful or not.
In summary, what appears to be happening is likely just redirecting you to advertisements for revenue generation. Reports suggest the service collects significant data and claims it can’t be used to pinpoint personal information, which seems questionable. I wouldn’t recommend leaving this setting active.
Yes, because Chrome doesn't open randomly to unknown URLs, the issue is likely due to an extension. Have you tried reviewing your extensions first?
I received it from the official site, which states a free subscription is available for one year (in my account). Regardless, if Kaspersky isn’t suitable for you, you can try another antivirus program.
First, check your extensions and see if any are present. They might not show up in the toolbar—go to settings > extensions or else you probably won’t notice them.
I believe whatever extension is involved searches its database for the sites you visit and checks for affiliate links. The link you mentioned isn’t the one shown in a Google search; it’s likely a referral link that the extension or malware has modified, meaning any download through it would benefit the source as an affiliate link.