Ah, I don't know if there is a name for it, I just used "dead-end target" to describe what it does - it dead-ends your browser's web requests into a valid but pointless URL unrelated to what you wanted to do. It is not intended to serve any purpose other than to prevent the user from using their browser - a dead end.

Thanks. I guess I've been lucky--I've never run into one.

Unless there is some kind of ransom demand, it really does seem like pointless vandalism, the internet equivalent of chunking watermelons at mailboxes.

HAHA! Yes, simple pointless vandalism, just like a watermelon thrown at a mail box. And if you remember the overall mentality of the kids who did those things, then you have a pretty good idea of those who do these things.

I have recently re-evaluated my own perspective on all-things internet and have concluded that the vandals have won and there is little point trying to "protect" against them any more - they own it now - all the rest of us can do is move on in some sense. I am considering what would represent a safe haven for my own needs until they finally consume each other because there are no targets of value or interest left for them... then we can try to pick up the pieces.